Annie’s interest in Manx Gaelic was first awakened by her teacher at Onchan School, Leslie Quilliam RBV, an interest encouraged by her parents who themselves subsequently started Manx lessons at night school and remained long-term supporters of the language. A talented singer and musician, she has represented the Isle of Man at inter-Celtic festivals from her teenage years right to the present day, as a soloist, and as part of groups such as Perree Bane dance group and Caarjyn Cooidjagh Manx Gaelic choir. In 1989, inspired by a competition at Yn Chruinnaght, she gathered musical friends together to form Caarjyn Cooidjagh (Friends Together), which has just celebrated its 35th year. The choir continues to perform Annie’s arrangements of Manx songs along with her own compositions in Manx, and her output has been truly incredible.