KT left her seat and took to the stage. Then the rest of the choir pushed out through the door to the right of me, poured down the main aisle and climbed the steps to line up behind the star singer.

BK, who was orchestrating the whole folk festival, introduced the act. Then KT’s voice sang out across the audience. Everyone was spellbound: many could not believe that this woman was a mere amateur.

My mother was amongst a few who did not recognise KT in the spotlight. I explained that KT looked different because she was wearing goofy false teeth and a tight, busty bodice as part of her role.