On this weeks episode Simon k speaks to Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh from the band Altan

Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh is a native of the Donegal Gaeltacht of Gaoth Dobhair. Her first language is Gaelic and she has learnt many of her songs from family and neighbours as well as sourcing older material from archive facilities.

She is renowned as one of the leading exponents of Donegal fiddle music and likes to promote the music which she has inherited from her late father Francie, whenever possible. She is a founding member of Cairdeas na bhFidléirí, which was set up 25 years ago to preserve and facilitate the development of the Donegal fiddling tradition for future generations.

Mairéad's musical inspiration initially came from her family and neighbours, her father being a great fiddle teacher with a wealth of unusual local tunes, many learnt f ...