She was born as Catherine Balfe on Chord Road, Drogheda, County Louth, to Hugh Balfe, a labourer, and Rose Russell. She had nine siblings, five of which were boys and four girls. Her brothers' names were John, Hugh, Patrick, Frances and Joseph. Her sisters' names were: Alice, Rose, Mary Frances and Maryann. She had a passion for all things Irish and enjoyed dancing at the top of Laurence's gate for American tourists. Balfe and her family lived at the address 54 Chord Road during the Irish War of Independence.