Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (born 26 July 1962 in Gweedore, County Donegal) is an Irish fiddler and the lead vocalist for the Irish traditional band Altan. Ní Mhaonaigh grew up in Gweedore (Gaoth Dobhair), County Donegal, on the northwest coast of Ireland. Her father, Proinsias Ó Maonaigh, taught her to play the fiddle. She received tuition from fiddler Dinny McLaughlin, who was a frequent visitor to the home when she was young. Ciarán Tourish, who would later join Altan, was also a frequent visitor to the family home and also received tuition from McLaughlin.