Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh’s name is synonymous with what’s good in the music and culture of her native County Donegal, Ireland. Born in the Gaeltacht area of Gaoth Dobhair, where Gaeilge was her main language, she learned her songs and tunes from her family and neighbours.
Mairéad’s father, Francie Mooney was a noted fiddler, songwriter, and school teacher and was her first main influence. Her mother, Kitty Rua (Red-haired) was also raised in a musical house that held frequent house dances. It is no surprise, therefore, that both Mairéad and her siblings; Gearóid and Anna all play music together and released a new album, ‘Na Mooneys’;
In the early eighties, Mairéad qualified as a Primary school teacher and taught in Saint Oliver Plunkett’s P.S. in Malahide, Co. Dublin. She and her late husband recorded Ceol Aduaidh (Music from the North) for the Irish label Gael Linn in 1983. This timeless recording was the genesis of what would later become Altan.
Mairéad will be performing solo at the Presbyterian Church on Saturday at 4pm. See the schedule for Altan and Mairéad’s performance times.
Visit Mairéad’s website.
Visit Altan’s website.
