Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh

Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh was born and raised in the heartland of the Gaoth Dobhair Gaeltacht in
North West Donegal. She is a native Gaelic speaker and learned her songs and tunes from her family and neighbours. Mairéad is internationally known as one of the most important fiddle players that play in the unique Donegal style. This takes her to the world stage with her band Altan, who play the music of Donegal throughout the world. Mairéad learned her songs and tunes from her father Francie Mooney, one of the most important fiddle teachers in that part of the country. Mairéad is also a founding member of ‘Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí” (The Fiddler’s Fellowship) which was set up in the late 80’s to preserve, promote, and develop the wealth and richness of the fiddling tradition of the county.

Rugadh agus tógadh Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh i gcroílár Ghaoth Dobhair, Gaeltacht in Iarthuaisceart Dhún na nGall. Tá an Ghaeilge aici ón chliabhán agus d’fhoghlaim sí a cuid amhrán agus port cois teallaigh, óna teaghlach, ó chomharsana, agus go háirithe óna hathair, Francie Mooney, duine de na teagascóirí fidle ba thábhachtaí sa taobh sin tíre. Tá cáil ar Mhairéad go hidirnáisiúnta mar dhuine de mhórfhidléirí stíl Dhún na nGall, agus tá an domhan siúlta aici lena ghrúpa, Altan, atá tar éis aird an tsaoil mhóir a tharraingt ar cheol Dhún na nGall ar fud na cruinne. Tá sí ar dhuine de bhunaitheoirí Chairdeas na bhFidiléirí, a bunaíodh ag deireadh na n80í, le saibhreas thraidisiún fidléireachta Dhún na nGall a chaomhnú, a fhorbairt agus a chur chun cinn.