My introduction to Meav, as well as the the rest of Celtic Woman came back in March 2005. Since then, though I am and always will be HUGE Lisa fan, I have come to appreciate not only Meav, but Orlagh, Chloe, and Mairead.

I admit I was not a big fan of Meav, not till I had the opportunity to meet her in person in Chicago at the Borders signing. As I observed Meav, I came to realize that Meav was not aloof, or reserved, but just not comfortable in crowds of strangers. Much like I am not. People have also called me aloof and unapproachable, but that was mostly due to my shyness. But as I saw her interact with Chloe and Mairead, she became more outspoken. As I had more opportunities to view Meav in shows (she was not at my first show in Columbus), I would see her perform songs such as Dulaman (my favorite Meav song) or At The Ceili, I was just blown away by her antics and cheeky (as she calls it) humor. As I progressively got closer seats at each new show, I would witness that interaction with the girls that others have observed, and with me, there were a few times when Meav and I would make eye contact, and though it was subtle, she would give a quiet smile and nod. To me that was just like receiving one of Lisa's huge smiles, or one of Chloe's shoulder shakes. My greatest memories of Meav will be from two occasions:
Bridgeport and being there with Lauren, this being our first show together, and being able to sit next to each other and just have a great time as Meav and Lisa came on.

Dublin and the Christmas in July Taping, where during Let It Snow, Meav gave such a facial expression, that not only I, but a few other forum members, starting miss clapping, and Meav almost let out a laugh.

With that, I am looking forward to seeing Meav in concert, with Lauren next to me, as we applaud for our Celtic Woman Meav.

There are many great memories I have of Meav as a Celtic Woman. Of course many of them are Meav singing with the girls. They are truly amazing when they sing together. Its very hard to pick a favorite memory out of so many lovely ones. Although there are a few memories that really stand out to me. They are Meav's performances of "Dulaman" and "Beyond The Sea". In addition my absolute favorite memory of Meav as a Celtic Woman is her performance of "Danny Boy". My favorite Meav moment had to be "Danny Boy" at Slane Castle. " Danny Boy" is such a heartfelt song and Meav does a great job putting such emotion into performing this song. The amazing thing about this song is that there is no percussion or orchestra, its just Meav's beautiful soprano voice and the choir. They harmonize so beautifully and I think all of these elements combined make "Danny Boy" the beautiful and amazing song that it is. Furthermore I would like to thank Meav for sharing her gift with the world. I admire Meav and also thank her for all the amazing music she has brought into my life and into millions of others. In the future I know she will continue to make great music and once again amaze us time after time. We will miss Meav as a Celtic Woman, but we can always look to the future. Meav is a great singer and performer and I know that she will be very successful in her solo career. I hope to soon see Meav in her own live show. I know it will also be great..

Meav on stage singing Dulaman. It's so exciting watching her sing this tune. It brings out a lively spirit in her. And in the back of my mind I couldn't help but hear the words, “let's play them a tune.” This great love of music on display in Meav, I've seen it before; in dad, and my great grandmother Carrie. She raised dad and gave him the gift of music with the piano in her home. She also had him learn clarinet and saxophone and helped him to attend Temple University to study music. Like Meav, she shared her love of music. And dad too, as he was often asked to play the piano wherever he went. And so he did on the evening he passed away. It was just before Christmas and on the way home, an unusual mishap. I was in the army thousands of miles away.

The last time I saw Dad was the evening before I left for the military. He took me to a club and off in the corner a piano and drums on a stage. He said, “let's play them a tune.” It was the only time we ever played together. He was a perfectionist and I was nervous. He did correct me a few times. But it felt great to play with him. I never performed again, and often wondered what the future might have been, he had his own band. The memory of music…dear dad.

Sometimes while playing piano he would turn his head to the side with a far off look in his eyes and smile. He was lost in the music, as I was, listening to Meav, my first Celtic Woman concert.

Danny Boy… how do I describe the feeling she put into those lyrics. I had never heard Danny Boy like this. And to see the look in her eyes, her face, with her voice it all seemed to be one with her. Feeling is where the heart lives. She opens the door and reaches in. How softly she touched me… how compassionate she sang as the emotions rose in me, so connected to her voice. Even her soft smile after the song reminded me of the affection in her music. She gave me a beautiful memory that night. A part of her will always be with me.

I did get to meet her after the show and I was so in awe of her. No one can convince me there is no magic in this beautiful Irish Lady. A sparkle in her eyes and when she sings you understand her unique beauty and joy of life. She is a gift. I felt the warmth from her smile and was sad to leave but will always remember. How can I ever thank her

Meav asks us to join her, this new journey. This precious songbird, how could she not know…she already has us in air in flight. What a beautiful view…this memory of you.

I can't say I've had an experience with Meav live though I wish I could. The CW show I went to had Hayley instead of Meav. My experience is with the music. My grandmother passed in July. To tell a little about a wonderful little lady: She was of Irish/English heritage. In true Irish fashion she had peonies in her yard her grandfather stole from the Queen Victoria's garden and brought to America. Those flowers are still there. At her funeral/viewing we had a slide show playing. Two of the songs accompanying it were "Send Me A Song" by Lisa Kelly and "Danny Boy" by Meav. Now every time I hear Meav singing "Danny Boy" I think about my grandma. I remember my grandma going around humming that tune while working in her flower beds. To have someone as talented and beautiful as I remember my grandma being, singing that song is very cathartic for me. I can't imagine anyone else singing that song now other than Meav. I was extremely close to my grandma. We did everything together. Growing up our lawns conjoined so she was always close by. She was a very special lady. She lived her whole life within a ten acre radius in rural Utah. My cousin and I would hang out in her garage, fixing cars and what not. She'd come out and hear what we had on the radio, usually country western, and start dancing (as much as she could with her cane anyway). She was my rock. Growing up my dad was never home, always working. My mom didn't live with us, but my grandma was always the constant in my life. My grandfather died in 1977 and my grandma supported herself until the day she died. She showed me how to be a strong, independent woman. Thanks to my faith I know that I'll be reunited with her in the eternities to come. Until then I have Meav to thank for singing "Danny Boy" so beautifully and artfully. Meav gave me a wonderful gift by sharing her talent. Now I will forever have a reminder of the best woman I have ever known. Even if I don't win this contest, I hope Meav gets to read these essay so she knows how much I appreciate the gift she's given me and my family.

Meav, when I first saw you in person in Albuquerque I had my little niece with me. She was 9 and I took her to the Celtic Woman concert to see women of dignity and class. She gets too much exposure to the trashy pop culture types and I wanted her to see that talented women can share that talent without all the crude moves and awful songs. She is taking piano lessons and I'm helping to pay for them. The concert was lovely and I took her on a "date" all dressed up (I even bought a new suit as it was my first CW concert too). At the intermission a asked her about each of the girls, the songs, and the show so far. When we got to you, she looked up at me and just beamed and said "I like her". At the end of the concert I knew it was all worthwhile. Thank you Meav and Celtic Woman for providing a very clear statement that entertainment doesn't mean trash, and that women can aspire to something higher. God bless you.

The first time I heard Méav's voice on the radio, it was a real revelation. I stayed without moving until the end of the song, paying attention to the sound of her voice.
Then, I looked for some information about Méav and ... surprise ... I discovered a great 5-girl band.
It was 12 months ago.
From that moment, my only wish was to meet the girls personnally.
So, the day I read on Méav's website that Celtic Woman came back to the Helix for a christmas show, I knew I had to book tickets.
Although Ireland is not so far from Reims (by plane of course), I was really excited to finally go to Dublin and even more excited to see my first Celtic Woman Show.
I realized that my dream came true the 17th July at 9 pm when the girls appeared on stage while singing Carol Of The Bells. I have no word to describe how I was feeling when I first so them. I can still imagine Méav singing Holy Night
As French, I knew this show would be my only chance to be able to meet Méav in person.
So I waited 1 hour next to one of the stage door that Méav goes out. Unfortunately, I wasn't waiting near the good door and when I saw she left the Helix, I began to run but I reached the taxi while it was leaving. I couldn't be more disappointed ! But, anyway, I don't know whether I would be able to talk to her. I'm sorry to be so selfish but I was pretty happy to read that she's working on her new solo cd.

I' m looking forward to see her in France (hope so she'll come next summer in Brittany or in Epernay !) And in this way, I know I'll be able to speak to her and say her how much I love her voice, her personnality....
In brief ... I adore her. That's all; my first and only memory of Meav as Celtic Woman. (just hope I'll have a lot of more !! )

I can't explain it. It came out of nowhere and it is with me forever. I am thunderstruck, awestruck. Suddenly, without warning I looked down and my heart was gone.

Foolish as this may seem, I am totally enchanted by Méav, totally captivated by her beauty, her grace, her charm and her voice.

I have several moments to share, but honestly, every memory I have of Méav is a favorite.

Watching Celtic Woman: A New Journey on PBS the day it premiered, I was just channel surfing. I was fortunate enough to catch it at the very beginning of the show, and, with every intention of looking for a movie or sporting event, I happened to set the DVR to record it in case I wanted to check it out later. I never did change the channel.

Being a music teacher/musician most of my life, I had to watch. I was pleasantly surprised listening to Chloe sing "The Prayer" and Lisa singing " Caledonia" so I continued watching….and listening. I wasn't sure what I was getting into but then Méav sang "Dúlamán" and I thought…"isn't this a fun song?" As I watched, I said to myself, "this lady is incredible". Her facial expressions, her cheekiness, her playfulness with the song just snuck in and without my knowledge, gently grabbed my heart. I continued watching and when she made that face singing "At the Céili" during "…a life of washing dishes…" whatever was grabbing my heart, squeezed even a little more. Then came the accent…"and in no way was it 'aisy'.." I was caught…there was no escaping from that moment on.

Later on in the show, she sang "Danny Boy" and I was standing in front of the TV, my mouth agape and I was crying. There were tears rolling down my face at the very sound of her voice. I have never cried over that song until that moment. I wasn't crying because of the powerful message, I was crying at the beauty of that exquisite voice from that beautiful woman.

But something else was also happening. My heart was being healed. I had lost my musical way over the years, stunted by teaching music fundamentals to students over and over, getting caught up in everyday life, never exploring music like I used to. Thankfully, I was being healed.

I have never met Méav in person, someday I hope to. I was however, fortunate enough to see her in concert with Celtic Woman and when she first came on stage, I was so giddy I had trouble trying to contain my excitement. And even though I was about one hundred feet away from the stage, I could still see and hear that she puts her heart into every note. Anyone can feel the love and the life she breathes into every song.

Thank you Méav…you have healed me. You have given me back my love for music and for that I am forever grateful. I am a Méav fan forever.

I'd say it's nearly impossible, because every time I see her, I make new memories.

To pick just one would be very hard, mostly since I haven't had the honor of meeting her, and to pick a DVD memory seems so small compared to someone's memory of having met Méav.

But I'll do my best.
Seeing Méav for the first time was December last year, on my birthday, when I immediately fell for CW and Méav herself. That alone would make it my most special birthday and my happiest memory. How many people can say they met an angel on their birthday? But there's more: The first time I watched her Helix interview, because I then realized she was truly human, instead of a songbird looking like an angel. Or the first time I saw her looking so sad during Last Rose of Summer on the ANJ DVD, it almost broke my heart, but then luckily seeing her smile after Sing out and Mo Ghile Mear.

I think my happiest could also be yet to make. Not as a Celtic Woman, but as a solo artist.

I think it'll be Méav's new CD. When she first released an album, I was too young to understand that beauty, but I'm sure with her new CD, I'll drown once more in her voice. Just like I did first time I heard her. Right now I've got every song on her album A Celtic Journey on my mp-3, and I don't care one bit that other teenagers listen to techno and R&B music. I'll proudly display my Méav things and tell everyone who'll listen about Méav, the Celtic Songbird.

Also, we're all making our best memory as we speak. When you see such a contest, and Méav herself has donated these lovely prices, joining alone is a happy memory. The fact that she is so generous and caring towards her fans, to give something from her personal collection, shows also that we've given HER happy memories as her fan base.

Well, I've done the best I can to express what my happiest Méav memory is. I'm glad that Méav has these sweet and caring fans, who respect her, and other fans as well. When I first joined the CW forum, I didn't think I'd feel so much at home as I do now. I found many friends there, and it's true what I've heard the first day I joined the forum, and I know it's the same for Méav's forum:

We're all a big family, some of us live closer to each other than other family members, but in our hearts we're all related.
Because of our love for Méav.

I have not had the opportunity too see celtic woman or Meav live in concert but hopefuly one day i have seen the celtic woman dvd a new journey and the vhs celtic woman plus i have the cds for these and the christmas cd from last year and they are all great i listen too the cds all the time i cannot pick a special Meav moment but what i will say is Meav has touched a many hearts all around the world with her beautiful voice and too me that means a lot she has brought millions of fans together as one she has the beauty and grace when she is on stage she is truly a gifted angel i would say the one favorite memory of Meav as a celtic woman is when Meav sings danny boy the song touches my heart even though i am so far away from ireland Meav brings ireland too me with her music i would like too wish Meav all the best on her solo career and hopefully she will come back too celtic woman one day you are the one star that shines so bright Meav you have reached out too many people young and old all around the world god bless you and again thank-you for your beautiful music

As I first started thinking what to write as my special "Méav Moment" many thoughts ran through my mind. Could it be when I first heard her on a live interview? True she was quite lively and quick witted,it still left much to be desired for this essay topic.

My next thought was of her being in Anúna before joining Celtic Woman, and my becoming intrigued and subsequently becoming a fan of the "chamber choral group" as quoted by Órfhlaith Flynn, current member and soloist of Anúna.That didn't seem to quite fit either, although I am enjoying their music immensely. After thinking about it long and hard, it finally occurred to me to write about the day I received my first Méav cd.

I remember that day so vividly, although it was only this past June. I had spent the day on the computer, when my father offered to take me to HMV to pick up my cd which I had ordered previously but as of yet had been unable to pick it up as it is very rare for me to get an opportunity to go into the city.

I excitedly said yes and hurried to go with him. In the car, my anticipation and excitement level sky rocketed as we made our way to West Edmonton Mall, world's largest mall and the only true mall within 100 kilometers.

It's hard to describe my emotions when I held that cd in my hands for the first time. My first thought was how lovely Méav looked on the cover and what a pretty blue that had been used. As we drove back to town, I didn't hesitate a moment in putting the cd on.

As I listened for my first time, I flipped through the liner notes that came with it, and laughed at all the great descriptions of each song that were on the cd. They were definitely great to read, and I am still rather fond of rereading them just for fun.

So many things to say about the music. I really enjoyed hearing The Wicked Sister, even singing along a bit. You Brought Me Up was and is a great song to hear, and there are a few things that endear this song to me. I love the piano accompaniment that is played, and I love the sound of the oboe, especially at the very end when it gets softer and softer. On a more personal note, I love the song just for it having the wonderful imagery of dolphins which are among my favorite animals. Also, I was happily surprised to discover "The Waves of Tory" had been written by Méav's father, Liam O'Maolchatha.

There you have it, my best Méav moment was the very day I got one of the best cds I have ever listened to, Silver Sea.

It was a small sacrifice indeed, but I broke my wrist on leaving your June 2007 concert at the Mann Center in Philadelphia. Actually, though it kept me from playing golf all summer, it did free up time for me to enjoy your music, Meav. I have all of your albums and DVDs including the 2007 Christmas DVD which I am thoroughly enjoying. My friends tell me I'm getting more Irish as I get older which I suppose is a left-handed compliment.

At any rate, my best to you and the best of good luck on your solo career. I can't wait.

Some people believe that Friday the thirteenth is an unlucky day, but I don't believe it's true. How can Friday the thirteenth be unlucky when it's the day that I first saw and heard Celtic Woman in person?

I'll never forget how excited I was before the concert! As I sat in anxious anticipation I read carefully through my new prize, a beautiful souvenir program, and excitedly pointed out my favorite Celtic Woman's biography to my husband. “This is Méav,” I told him. “She is my favorite!” I told him a little about Méav and each of the other members of Celtic Woman. I was glad that he had consented to attending the concert with me, even though he was basically unfamiliar with their music. “I'll wait to hear it in person,” he told me whenever I offered to play my CDs for him.

As we sat and waited, we overheard a young lady behind us talking about how excited she was to be there and how much she enjoyed Hayley's music.

“Oh, no! What if it is Hayley and Méav is not here?” I didn't say anything, but I was beginning to worry. One of us was bound to be disappointed. Oh how I hoped it would not be me!

The house lights dimmed. The stage lights came up on Máiréad. “She's so tiny and so full of energy!” I thought as the opening notes of “The Sky, The Dawn, The Sun” floated across the audience. My heart was in my throat.

“Oh, there's Chloe!” I think I had stopped breathing. My eyes were glued to the stage entrance as one by one the members of Celtic Woman seemed to float onto the stage. “Please, be here, Méav!”

My wish was granted! With a joyful sigh, I began to breathe again and I knew for certain that Friday the thirteenth was not an unlucky day, at least not for me!

I will be frank. I have never seen the Celtic Woman show live. I have always regretted this, since I've often heard how kind and gracious the Celtic Women are. Because I have never met Méav, some would say I haven't had a genuine Méav moment. I disagree; I think music alone can give many wonderful moments and visions of verity.

My Méav moment was when, by chance, I caught the Celtic Woman show on PBS. I had no knowledge or experience with Celtic music. All the songs were beautiful, but one struck a chord deep within my soul. It was She Moved Through the Fair. I had never heard a singer with a voice as crystalline and pure as Méav's. My skin tingled with goose bumps, and the room wasn't even cold!

Hearing Méav sing so beautifully inspired me to sing again. When I was younger, I loved singing. It gave me a joy incomparable to any in the world. When I was happy, I sang. When I was sad, I sang. When I felt stressed, I sang. Yet the heart for singing left me; I didn't expect it to return. Then I heard Méav sing those striking songs. I thought to myself, what have I given up? The fire was relit! I decided I would never stop singing again - never let that part of me remain untapped.

Last winter, my family and I lost our home to the bank. For several months, we lived in housing for the homeless. It was rather stressful, so I listened to Méav's albums quite often. Once again, I sang for joy or sorrow. Every time I sang, I felt as though I was gathering my courage. When I listened to Méav's voice, my overwhelming anxiety subsided. That is the power of music - it can stir up as well as subdue a storm. It can color a grey sky, or melt frost.

I remember when I found out we had to leave the house I had know my whole life. There was a coldness throughout, since most of our furniture was in storage. I listened to A Christmas Celebration and felt myself soar. Paradoxically, I think of last winter not with sadness, but with a strange acceptance and contentment. I would like Méav to know how she touched one of many souls, and how her music and voice radiate beauty and calm in such a busy world.

I crossed over into “A Meav New World” while absently skipping through the TV channels one Saturday night last December. I found six heavenly visions in seraphic white singing, in equally as heavenly voices, a dreamily seductive rearrangement of that old standard, “Beyond the Sea.” This, I thought, looks interesting.

“This,” it turned out, was life-altering.

I didn't know who or what I was watching, but the longer I watched the more enrapt and enamored I became. Each woman eventually found her niche in my heart, but one especially regal and charismatic creature began conquering acres more heart-space than the others. By the time she stood in fiery scarlet at the foot of the dramatically back-lit stone walls of Slane Castle, her unearthly beauty framed by torch fire and smoke, I had fallen hard and fast. By the time the last soaring note of “Danny Boy” ascended into the chilly darkness and disappeared into the heavens beyond it, I sat there, dazed, delighted, devastated, helplessly but shamelessly weeping, awash, it seemed, in the inevitable run-off as decades-old emotional ice-caps and glaciers melted under this extraordinary woman's (so help me) supernatural talent.

Of course, I later found out that I had just met Celtic Woman via their “New Journey” concert for PBS. More importantly, I had just met the elaborately-named Meav (as in “Slave to the”) Ni Mhaolchatha for the first time. Trust me -and, please, pardon my crudeness--if I live to diapered and drooling antiquity, I will never forget it.

I eventually met Meav in person. I shook her hand, looked her squarely in those stupefyingly gorgeous blue eyes and told her directly that she had the most beautiful voice I had ever heard, that no voice had ever touched me as profoundly and deeply, and no voice had ever taken me to warmer, safer places than hers had. I told her that, to me, she and Celtic Woman was simply the best thing to happen to music in ages. Best of all, I got to thank her for all that.

I joked with her, and she with me. I took photos with her and of her. I saw her cheeky side, her thoughtful side, her public side and, I sensed, her private side. I saw and sensed a woman of enormous substance, grace and class. Going in, I loved her as an artist and a performer; going away, I respected and admired her even more as a person. Even in its infancy, it's an experience I treasure as I do few others, and I refer to it almost daily with all due relish and reverence.

All of which proves the momentousness of that first meeting, because I still value it most. I would say I “fell” in love with Meav that night, but that wouldn't be quite accurate. To say I “fell” implies that I've touched down somewhere. Meav “raised me up” that night, and I've been floating ever since.

I suppose my favorite memory of Meav was back in June, when she was preforming at Bridgeport. It was the first day of summer, so the Last Rose(which I was DYING to hear!), one of my favorite songs, probably wouldn't have meant as much to me as it does now. That day also happened to be my last day of school, so I was hyper as it was without a local CW concert. Thankfully this school day was at a place with a pool and other things like that (and Celtic Woman didn't sing at it?? ;)).Unfortunately, I couldn't go to the concert because my aunt was over for a first day of summer and last day of school party. Grr! However, I didn't let this annoy me. I am an optimist, so I came up with a far fetched idea (what else is new?) that would help make it better. My idea was, as I live very close to Bridgeport, that somehow some music would drift over on the breeze to my house. I was so disappointed when the music's echoes didn't float over to my house. This truly was a special Meav memory for me not because it happened, but because it could have happened, and, probably, almost happened. I guess this might not classify as a memory, but as a dream that almost came true. However, this is truly my favorite Meav memory ever.

What I love about Meav on Celtic Woman was that she seemed to fit in with all of them so well. She contributed a great deal of her angelic voice to Celtic Woman and to everyone around the world. Meav Ni Mhaolchatha thrills all her fans with her pure, soaring soprano, angelic voice.

My favorite memory of Meav on Celtic Woman in 2004 was when she sang Si Do Mhaimeo. When I heard that song, I was totally overwhelmed with joy from that song. I loved the fact that she showed everyone that she enjoyed singing that song. The way she was “dancing” to the song was great and before I got totally obsessed with Celtic Woman, the only thing I would remember was Meav and her singing that song. I also remember Meav singing Orinoco Flow. The energy she, Lisa Kelly and Orla Fallon gave in that song was so fun. The arrangement of this song made want to start dancing. They all seemed to enjoy singing that fun song. Meav was also great when singing Danny Boy and The Soft Goodbye. In Danny Boy, Meav never fails to show the emotion to the song and passion to it. In The Soft Goodbye, she, Lisa and Chloe showed the beauty of the song. She did so well with She Mov'd Through the Fair. Everyone thought that she had sung that song so beautifully. She worked so well with Celtic Woman that I think she shouldn't leave.

My favorite memory of Meav on Celtic Woman in 2006 in a New Journey was when she was singing Dulaman. The way she sings, she always has a great time. When she sings Dulaman, she really showed that she loved singing that song. She makes all these funny faces and show she loves singing and is having a good time. I also loved it when she sang The Last Rose of Summer with Hayley Westerna. They both showed what the song symbolized and how sort of sad the song was. In Spanish Lady I think that all the girls were great. They all made Spanish Lady an enjoyable song for everyone. That song is a great song to have fun with. In At the Ceili she, Lisa and Orla just had fun with the song. They showed that singing is not just you windpipes vibrating, but you also have to feel what you sing. They show that they know what and whom they are singing. You felt as if you wanted to listen all day. Meav, Lisa, Orla, Chloe and Hayley sang the song Beyond the Sea so beautifully. Every song that Celtic Woman has done I have wanted to learn ever since I heard them.

I think that Celtic Woman was blessed for having not just Meav, but also all of the Celtic Woman together. Their voices blend so well and still sound unique at the same time. Meav never fails to entertain her viewers as well as Celtic Woman has never failed. Meav shows how fun she can be and always has fun flirting with everyone there. She makes me enjoy learning all the songs and makes me feel me bad because I am not Irish!!

I was fortunate enough to meet Meav twice. Although I'm not sure it can count as two times.

Last year, I went to one Meet & Greet and met Mairead and Lisa. So this year, my goal was to meet all 6 ladies. That would mean that I would need at least three Meet & Greets and a lot of good old Irish luck, especially since Meav was not going to perform at all the shows in the spring tour. The first Meet & Greet I attended and the only one I would have a chance to meet Meav was attended by Mairead and Chloe. That blow all my chances of meeting all the girls because Meav wasn't scheduled to be at any of the other shows that I would see. Now I did get to meet Chloe and Lisa on my next Meet & Greet. So now the situation was getting critical because I've never gotten to meet Orlagh or Hayley. And I very much wanted to meet Orlagh. Well, the last Meet & Greet and the last chance I would ever have to meet as many of the girls as I could, was riding on this one concert Meet & Greet. The weather was getting really bad and the caveat was this concert would go on “Rain or Shine”. So there was no way I would miss this even if there was a blizzard. As I made the turn to the venue drive to the parking area, cars were coming out and people were saying that the concert was postponed. I was not daunted yet. I wanted to find out when the concert would take place. When I found out that there would be two concerts to replace the one, I began to try to get a Meet & Greet for both. As my usual luck would have it, I could only get one M&G. So I began to try to guess which concert date would get me the best chance of seeing Orlagh and by the way, Hayley was not with the group as these concert dates were after the end of the scheduled tour. Then I got a ticket for the other night's concert so I could see both concerts. Now prior to the M&G, if it weren't for bad luck I would have had no luck at all. But on this night, I hit the jack pot. Olagh and Meav were attending this M&G. When my turn came, I was greeted very warmly by both Orlagh and Meav. They were both very gracious as I spoke to them for quite a while. I thought it would be alright since I was the last one in line. But I must have taken too long as the people from the TV station nearly had to drag my away from them. (The TV station people did offer me to come back for the second night's M&G before they knew I could be long winded, thus I got to see Orlagh and Meav at both M&Gs.)

Now you'd think that that would have been my most memorable Meav Moment and perhaps it will be my last as Meav is not going to be with CW for the foreseeable future. But my most memorable Meav moment was not with Meav, but began at the Helix Theatre at the Christmas in July filming when I got in line to go into the auditorium to witness the performance. I met a woman who told me she was related to Meav's mother. After the show, I got to meet and talk with both Meav's mother and father. He, Meav's father, was very gracious and as we talked, he mentioned his brother was in a similar profession as I. Then I got to meet and talk with his brother for a moment. I later asked if I could take a photograph of them and they kindly allowed me to do so. So now I know why Meav is such a wonderful, warm caring person. With a family like hers, she is very fortunate and I'm sure that has contributed to her great success.

One night last December, my husband asked me to come into the living room to see six wonderful women performing on a stage at a Irish castle. This was my first introduction to Meav and Celtic Woman.

Meav was performing "Dulaman" and it was spellbinding. Not only was she beautiful, but her voice rivaled that of an Angel. I then went into our spare bedroom to the other television and continued to watch the PBS special. I then looked through the guide and watched every showing of "A New Journey" that was on after that. I also was able to see Celtic Woman twice in California, although I never did get to see Meav. I missed her by one day in May and was not able to travel to see her when she and Haley changed later. So I made up for it by buying almost every CD or DVD that Meav was on. I will eventually get the ones I don't have now.

Seeing Meav was such a special event for me because, at 62 years old, it rekindled a desire in myself to sing again. I had spent many years singing until marriage, children, work and life in general took center stage. So I decided to take vocal lessons for the first time. I am having a blast and I owe it to Meav (and my husband who says "he created a monster" by asking me to come and watch Celtic Woman).

I hope to one day fulfill a dream and see Meav in person. I was heartbroken to have missed her this year, but couldn't do anything about it. I want to thank you for having this contest so I could tell my story. I would do it even if there wasn't anything in return. Thank you Meav for sharing your wonderful talent with the world and best wishes on your solo career, although I will miss you in Celtic Woman. Maybe one day you will come back.

Meav is one of the main reasons I fell in love with Celtic Woman. To me she brings to the stage an intellect and sophisication to her performance. Meav carries herself as a very confidant woman and that is why I bought my first celtic woman concert tickets only to find out that Hayley was taking her place at the Nashville location so I purchased another concert ticket where Meav was performing, as a matter of fact I ended up at 4 shows throughout the south.

My favorite Meav moment was at the Fox theatre in Georgia, I was backstage talking with Rachel when Meav came out to go to the buses and I was like (inside) That's Meav. and I had a happy dance going on inside me, I did think she was taller than she actually is. ..I asked how she was doing and her family and she very politely stated everyone was well, thank you for asking. I told her how much I enjoyed her music and she thanked me again...I let her get on her way as I knew she had a concert to prepare for....That was a highlight for me be it small to others but to me a special moment.

My favorite memory of Méav as a Celtic Woman has to be after the concert in Louisville, Ky at the meet and greet and the signing in Chicago. When they announced the two ladies we would get to meet were Méav and Órlagh. I could not believe my ears. What a thrill. I had been practicing pronouncing Méav's last name for days, I wanted to get it just right when I finally got to meet her. Not knowing it would be her at the meet and greet. However, I sure was hoping. Then came my turn to meet Méav, I was scared to death and shaking like a leaf. I was telling myself over and over be calm just talk to her as if you have known her all of your life. She is nice and you have wanted to meet her for a very long time. I walked up to her still shaking and so excited. I said Hi and introduced myself and said let me see if I can get this right Méav Ni Mhaolchatha. She said you have been practicing and I thought WOW I got it right and she was impressed. Then two weeks later, I saw where Celtic Woman was having a signing in Chicago Ill. Which is about six hundred miles from where we live. I ask my wife if she wanted to go she said, sure we might not ever get the chance to meet Celtic Woman again. When we got to the Chicago, we went up to the music store where the signing would be and bought two DVDs to be signed, We were looking around while waiting for Celtic Woman to arrive. In just a little, while we heard people start to applaud we turned around and in walks Chloe, Mairead and you guessed it Méav. I could not believe my eyes I was going to get to meet Meav not just once but twice. Man was I glad we had come. As they were walking in Méav looked over at the people waiting. When she saw us she smiled, waved, and said Hi. She had remembered us from the meet and greet. I was totally amazed. Then came our turn. This time we were able to get pictures and autographs. What a thrill. We will cherish these Items for the rest of our lives. We went back on the floor and watched as other people went up to Méav. We noticed when people would walk away Méav would hold her head down and rub her temple. She was exhausted. However, as soon as some other people would come up to her she would perk up and treat them as though they were the star and she had come to see them. What a remarkable woman. This went on for two hours or so. I know with out a doubt every person who talked, got their picture, or autograph with Méav went away a very happy and pleased fan including us.

My main impression of Meav was her extraordinary and powerful voice that she has. I'm 14 years old and most teenagers don't appreciate the great music that Meav and Celtic Woman sing. Well I have never attended to a Celtic Woman concert. I have all the Celtic Woman DVDs though. But my favourite moment was when Meav always smiled at Lisa and Lisa returned the smile back. I loved it when Meav and Lisa did that! It totally looked like they where having a great time performing together. I actually have a couple of photos of them doing that. Meav and Lisa did the “smiling thing” in the first DVD and in A New Journey and also in there newest DVD A Christmas Celebration. They did that in the song Orinoco Flow. Also in the song Christmas Pipes too. This will always be my ultimate Meav memory and I will always have it with me and remember it every single day of my life. I love you Meav and you will always be a part of my life and I wish you the very best!