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Mairéad is Donegal Person of Year
29.01.10
MAIRÉAD Ní Mhaonaigh of
Altan has been named Donegal Person of the Year
2009.
The announcement was made at a Donegal Association
function in Foley’s Bar, Merrion Row, Dublin last
night.
Mairéad, a qualified primary school teacher, is from
Gaoth Dobhair. She formed the band Altan with
Frankie Kennedy, going on to bring Donegal
traditional music to a worldwide audience throughout
the years. Altan celebrate 25 years in the music
business this year. |
Mairéad lost Frankie to
cancer in 1994 but continued with Altan at his
request. The Frankie Kennedy Winter School now
attracts musicians and tourists to the local area
from around the world each year.
Mairéad has also been nominated for this year’s
Meteor awards in the 'Best Folk / Traditional”
category. The Meteors will be held on February 19.
Altan includes two members from Buncrana, namely
fiddle player, Ciaran Tourish and accordion player,
Dermot Byrne. |
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The band has played a
unique role in promoting traditional Irish music
throughout the world.
Mairéad will be inaugurated as Donegal Person of the
Year 2009 at the annual gala dinner in the
Burlington Hotel, Dublin, on Saturday, February 27
at 8.30pm. Tickets are available from any member of
the Donegal Association committee. You can order
tickets by emailing
donegalassociation@eircom.net or by post to
Sorcha Ni Dhomhnaill, secretary, Donegal
Association, c/o Teachers Club, 35 Parnell Square,
Dublin 1. |
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