archived about us page 2018-2019

Mission Statement

Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí Board of Directors

Caoimhín Mac Aoidh (Cathaoirleach) is a retired CEO and an independent consult in the area of social, economic and cultural development projects. He is actively involved in teaching traditional music and the publishing works on traditional Irish music.

Gearoid Ó Maonaigh  (Leas-Cathaoirleach) is a self-employed in media production concentrating mainly, but not specifically, on cultural works with expertise in both Irish and English language productions. He has worked with a number of Ireland’s leading traditional artists. He also undertakes rural development consultation projects.

Siobhán Ní Churraighín (Rúnaí) is a senior administrator with Oideas Gael, Gleann Cholm Cille, having a strong range of administrative skills as well as development capabilities in relation to the Irish language and Irish cultural matters.

 

Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí – Board members

Dermot McLaughlin Chairman

A native of Derry, widely regarded as one of the very best players of Donegal’s fiddle music he is also regarded as an authority on the background of the music and its players. He holds a BA in Early & Modern Irish (TCD) and M.Sc. in Organisational Behaviour (TCD). He has a long working background in Arts administration, having worked at the Arts Council for many years and then as CEO of Temple Bar Cultural Trust and later as Project of Derry-Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013. Dermot has experience as a radio and television presenter, event organiser and producer. He currently works as a musician and as an independent business and management consultant specialising in business planning, organisational development, mentoring, recruitment and change management.

Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh

A native of Gaoth Dobhair, in Donegal, Mairéad is steeped in Donegal’s traditional music and language. Mairéad trained and worked as a National School teacher for some years before becoming a professional musician. She fronts the band Altan, of which she is a founder member. Known worldwide as a singer and fiddle player, she promotes Donegal’s music in a proactive way through her musical performances. She has made and appeared on a large number of music albums. Mairéad has also worked as a presented on radio and television. Mairéad has been involved with Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí since its inception.

Aidan O’Donnell

Aidan, from Dunkineely is a member of the famous fiddling Campbell clan of Glenties. He is a graduate of UL’s school of traditional music and is currently completing a doctorate in music at the University of Ulster’s Magee campus. Aidan is a busy fiddle teacher. He is also someone who has been involved with Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí from “both sides as it were” he attended many of our classes at a younger age, moving on to teaching for us and then to becoming a board member. Aidan is a member of the group Fidil which has been at the front of musical fiddle playing innovation for several years, he had recorded several albums both with Fidil and in Duet with Kieran Munnelly and Ciarán Ó Maonaigh

Rab Cherry

A native of Belfast has a work background in Precision Mechanical Engineering, lectured in Regional Technical College Cork for 7 years from 1978 – 1985. Has been deeply involved in Donegal fiddle music since the mid-1970’s. Has been making and restoring violin family instruments since 1978. Has been involved in Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí since its inception and has been involved in producing traditional fiddle music albums since 1986 when he was involved in the album “The Brass Fiddle.”

Roisin McGrory

A native of Inishowen in Donegal, Roisin is from a musical family, she has been involved with Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí since she was a schoolgirl. At first attending classes run by Cairdeas and later on, teaching at our classes then eventually joining our board. Roisin is also a leading figure in the Inishowen Traditional Music Project and a fiddle teacher in Inishowen.

Ciarán Ó Maonaigh

Ciarán is a native of Gaoth Dobhair, like his aunt Mairéad he is steeped in the music, language and traditions of Donegal. He is a professional musician is a member of the group Fidil and has toured extensively with his wife Caitlín nic Ghabhann. Ciarán has recorded albums, solo, with Fidil and with his wife Caitlín. He is also involved in making film and television programmes. He has also been involved with Cairdeas na bhFidiléiri for a large part of his life, from attending classes, through to teaching and then joining our board.

Paul O’Shaughnessy

A native of Dublin, born into a musical family with its musical roots firmly in Donegal. Paul worked for many years in An Post. Paul has played with the bands Altan and Beginish, he has also played with in duet with Paul McGrattan and with Harry Bradley. Paul has recorded albums with all of these and solo albums. He has also recently completed a doctorate in Irish dialect studies. Paul has been involved with Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí since it began

Iarflaith O’Donnell

From Inver in Donegal, one of the county’s finest young fiddle players, Iarflaith has been involved with Cairdeas na bhFidiléiri, through attending classes, teaching, performing and now as a board member. Iarflaith has a professional background in business and accounting and specialises in working with voluntary and charitable organisations.

 

Compliance with the Code of Governance

Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí is committed to achieving full compliance with the Governance Code, appropriate to the scale of our organisation, in 2017.

Statement of Recommended Practice

Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí will adopt SORP, as appropriate to the scale of our organisation, during 2017.