The Shape I’m In: Mairéad Ní Mhaonaig, Altan’s lead vocalist

THE geography of our birthplace has a way of imprinting itself in our cells, calling us back to its contours time and time again. 

And so Altan’s lead vocalist Mairéad Ní Mhaonaig not only regards Donegal as her native county, but also the source of her creative identity.

It’s a blueprint she wanted to pass on to her daughter.

After living in Dublin for 20 years, she decided it was important for Nia, then three years old, to learn Donegal Irish and Donegal fiddle style and to immerse her in the culture.

“It’s a very rich tradition in this area. She’s totally got the bug now so she’s enjoying it. I was a primary school teacher at one stage so I understand how the formative years are so important for a child.

"You install in them the love of all these cultural things. Hopefully it’ll keep them going for the rest of their lives.”

The move nine years ago also reignited her creative spark.

“I’ve just reconnected with the source. Playing more music than ever and the creative flow is totally open again.”

Aged 55, she has split-up with her second husband Dermot Byrne. but is full in his praise, saying he was traditional musician of the year in 2014 and “a great box player”.

So how does she manage childcare? “With great difficulty. I juggle a lot and I have very good friends and family who help me out immensely. And Mia herself is very versatile. If it’s a long tour I bring her with me. She’s had a lot of travel experience.”

* Altan performs at Hawks Well Theatre on October 25 as part of Sligo Live Festival. See: www.sligolive.ie

What shape are you in?

At the moment, after a family wedding, I’m not in great shape. Overall, I’m fairly healthy. Walking and playing the fiddle are my main activities. And a few dances in between.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I try to have a well-balanced diet because sometimes when you’re travelling you can’t be as fussy as you are at home. We’re very good at sussing out good places to eat and usually try and keep it to salads and protein and little carbohydrates.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

I do love my wine — a good New Zealand sauvignon blanc. But nowadays that’s very rare. I don’t go out very often. So it’s usually friends or family dinners, or maybe at a wedding.

My other indulgence is chocolate.

What would keep you awake at night?

I am a great sleeper. I would sleep standing up. My mother is 88 and she says she never loses a night’s sleep. I am exactly the same.

How do you relax?

I love listening to music and cooking. I love walking on the beach, especially when we have lovely weather and being with friends. I try to do a little meditation and get as much fresh air as possible.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

My father and Frankie, my late husband. They would be the first two because they would be the best fun. And my mum and my own family around me because there is always some fun and there’s nice camaraderie when we are all together.

What’s your favourite smell?

My favourite perfume is Issey Miyake. I also love the smell of baked bread and seasonal smells like cinnamon and ginger and all those clovy smells around Christmas baking. It brings back memories.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

I would love to change loads of stuff but you become accustomed to yourself and say this is who I am and what I am.

When is the last time you cried?

At the wedding. I came up the aisle to play a few tunes for my nephew. He was there standing so handsomely with his Donegal tweed suit on. I thought all of his dreams have come true today.

What traits do you least like in others?

Dishonesty.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

Not saying what I want to say. Sometimes I am too diplomatic.

Do you pray?

What you do in life is a prayer. It’s not just based on words, it’s based on actions and trying to put the best foot forward always towards other people.

What would cheer up your day?

The sun, when it shines. When my daughter is happy — it lifts up everything. The simple things: a smile, a message of goodwill or someone being happy with something I’d done for them.