Career
Ní Chróinín is originally from ‘An Choill Mhór’, in the Irish-speaking town of Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh, although her family is originally from nearby Cúil Aodha Her interest in sean-nós singing arose after attending her first Oireachtas na Gaeilge event when she was ten years old. In her own words, “lieutenant was a result of the Oireachtas that I was given a chance to meet with some of the greatest singers, dancers, poets, composers and characters who have now passed on”. In the following year, Ní Chróinín started singing lessons, and was particularly influenced by local singers such as Máire Ní Chéilleachair and Eoiní Maidhcí Ó Suilleabháin, from whom she was able to learn her songs.
Nell"s sister Mary Ann also encouraged her to start singing.
Over the years, Ní Chróinín has made several television appearances as a guest singer, generally on the Irish language television station She has sung on traditional music shows such as Geanntraí and Anam an Amhrán, and she was also the subject of an episode of Amhráin is Ansa Liom in, a programme where a chosen traditional Irish singer sings and discusses four of their favourite pieces. In Ní Chróinín’s case, she chose ‘An Lacha Bhacach’ (probably the song she is most closely identified with), ‘Cath Chéim an Fhia’, ‘Seán "s a Bhríste Leathair’ and ‘Táimse agus Máire’.
Ní Chróinín studied for her Bachelor of Education at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, and completed her studies in. At the present time, she is working as a teacher at Gaelscoil Uí Dhrisceoil, in Cork.