2003 was an incredible year of mixed emotions. Firstly it was great to get back to work after being out, and everyone was fantastic. It was very humbling to see how supportive and generous everyone was. Then came June, which with the closing of the Lagan was a very nostalgic time. As I had been in the Lagan since it started I had made many friends for life, I had five and a half years of memories to let go of which was hard. It was made easier though with the knowledge that Riverdance was not closing, but was simply re-inventing itself, and I was going to be part of this new group. The rehearsal period for the Boyne was very exciting and it was a great experience to be part of the set-up of a new company. So far, the Boyne has been doing fantastic work, and I'm looking forward to working with the company in 2004.

The Boyne company has been playing to great reviews so far - can you tell us what makes this production so successful?
It has retained everything that made the Lagan, and indeed any of the previous Riverdance companies, a successful show, both from the critic's and audience's point of view. However every company needs to fine-tune its product on a regular basis, and I think this is what has resulted in the Boyne continuing the successful tradition. We have a lovely new bunch of enthusiastic company members, as well as more experienced members who are always eager to share their knowledge. We have updated the set and equipment so we now have some new effects, which were not possible previously. From the band's point of view, we are much more visible to the audience, which they seem to appreciate.

There is a smaller band with this tour, how does that affect your work?
For other musicians in the band, there is a lot more material to cover e.g. the drummer is now doing a lot of percussion and our sax player is playing a lot more lines. However for the fiddle part, as it was always the first instrument to start a number, there was very little room for any extra work! I cover a few extra lines in one or two areas, but the biggest change for me is that I now play the concertina in 'Slip into Spring'. As the concertina was my first instrument, I am obviously delighted to get the opportunity to play it.

Are you aware of your online fans?
Over the last 6 years I have received some lovely comments, either by letter or various message boards, in newspapers, or emails. It's always very flattering to know you're appreciated and that you have affected someone so deeply. I always try and meet anyone waiting at the stage door, but this can be difficult in some venues.

What's the aim behind your new website niamhnicharra.com?
I set up the website for several reasons. It was a great way of providing other musician with the means of contacting me, or discovering what part of the world I was currently performing in. It's also a good way to promote myself as a musician and eventually I hope to use this website as a location to sell future albums. It's also useful for others who get asked about me as they can direct the enquirer to the site.

Was music central to your life when growing up?
Absolutely. I started really young and made friends with a lot of local and national musicians very quickly. I have always enjoyed playing and would always choose the music session in the local pub over the disco my peers would be at!

You were already playing the tin whistle and concertina when you were given a fiddle, was it love at first sight?
I remember travelling home to Killarney from Limerick when I was about 5. My father let slip during the trip that there was a surprise in the boot (trunk) for me. I pestered my parents until they stopped the car and got the gift (I had already guessed, for some reason, that it was an instrument). When I saw the fiddle I was thrilled and insisted on cradling it in my arms for the rest of the journey!

What kind of fiddles do you play in the show?
I play an acoustic and an electric. The acoustic is a French 1814 Nichols violin that I bought in Nashville, and the electric is a Zeta.

It must be great fun playing your favourite instruments for your job!
It's absolutely amazing getting paid and being appreciated all around the world, for doing something you love, in fact I can't imagine ever not playing!

Does it always go smoothly onstage?
No! I have had several mishaps like strings breaking, pegs slipping, bows breaking, shoulder rests falling off, clothes ripping, heels breaking…the list is endless! But it's part and parcel of a live show. The show must go on as they say, and it always has. In general the band see to take a perverse pleasure in each other's mishaps and we always laugh at the situation, so it's all in good fun.

Are you interested in learning any other instruments?
I'm toying with the idea of taking up the clarinet.

What kinds of music do you play in your spare time?
It depends on my mood. I have my entire CD collection on tour with me (I've downloaded them all to my Mac) so access to a good selection is never a problem. I also have an iPod, which I could not survive without on travel days.

What music are you listening to these days?
Everything from Coldplay to Norah Jones, Altan to U2!.

Touring is a strange life - how have you adapted to it over the years?
You have to adapt or you won't last. The two secrets to surviving touring life are to be able to adapt to all situations and to have good stamina!

What ambitions do you have for your musical career?
I'm working on material for an album at the moment and I hope to have my debut album ready for release by the end of 2005 - it's difficult to work on it while touring. That's the next project! But I'm happily enjoying where I am musically too. The gig is a very challenging and exposed one and I find my technique and musicianship improving constantly.