Thosaigh Marie ag foghlaim na fidile ag 8 mbliana d’aois ó John Hoban as Caisleáin a’Bharraigh agus ansin ó fidléir as Baile Átha Cliath darbh ainm John Murphy a bhí ag cur faoi i gCathair na Mart ag an am.  Sna blianta ina dhiaidh sin, b’iad ceoltóirí eile Muigh Eo a chuaigh i bhfeidhm go mór ar a cuid ceoil chomh maith le bheith ag casadh agus ag éisteacht le ceoltóirí eile ar fud na tíre.

Marie began learning the fiddle at 8 years from John Hoban from Castlebar and also from John Murphy a Dublin fiddle player living in Westport.  Her playing in later years became greatly influenced by time spent attending summer schools and festivals around the country as well as playing with and listening to older musicians in the Mayo area.