Iris became a backing singer for showband singer Laurie Hartz in 1997 while also continuing to write and perform her own material. This aspect of the music business quickly showed her the highs and lows of gigging in Ireland and UK. From the overnight travelling from venue to venue to learning how to work the crowd, Laurie was a significant influence in guiding and training Iris to develop a career in music. Always the realist Iris knew she needed to ensure she had the tools necessary to earn a living from her talent. To this end she also went to college while gigging with Laurie where she achieved a Diploma in Sound Engineering. Iris's first significant success as a songwriter came in 1997 when she was a Finalist in the 2fm /Jacobs songwriters contest at the age of 17. She saw the stars again in 1998 when she was chosen to perform on the RTE TV Talent Show “ Let me Entertain You” performing her own composition entitled “Don’t Say Goodbye”. Iris came 2nd on the show. Samantha Mumba debuted on the same show with a cover version. In trying to develop a reputation as a songwriter, Iris entered various song contests and was a finalist in the Dun Laoghaire Song Contest 1999 & 2001. She performed the songs herself on both occasions. In October 2000 Iris appeared on the BBC's ‘Star for a Night’. Hosted by Jane McDonald and with a panel of Judges including Eastenders Barbara Windsor (Peggy Mitchell) she performed a version of Christina Aguilera’s 'Genie in a Bottle' for the live show in Nottingham. The winner on the night was future X-Factor finalist Tabby. Irish radio stations began to warm to Iris’ compositions. ‘Don’t Ever Wanna Go Back’ playlisted for 'Tony D's R’n’B' show on Dublin's FM104 in October 2001 while ‘Addicted To Your Love’ playlisted on Ray D’arcy's Morning show on Today FM. Iris was also selected as a finalist by Dec & Joan of FM104 in a competition to support Ronan Keating in Vicar St. in 2005. Iris is currently gigging around Ireland with her cover band and continuing to write her own songs.