Shanley was born into a musical family and comes from a line of traditional singers. After finishing school she moved to
Dublin. During the day she worked in FAS, the state recruitment agency; in the evenings she studied drama with Betty Ann Norton and joined the "Leitrim Wild Roses" Tops of the Town group. She also sang in various sessions, mainly in Ned O'Sheas "Merchant". It was there that she met
De Dannan. ==Career==