Gay McKeon spoke to Pádraig Ó Sé on the Raidió na Gaeltachta programme Eachtraigh Dom. They discussed our latest publication Uilleann Piping from County Kildare and the artist behind it, Joe Byrne. This album is the fifth CD in the Ace and Deuce of Piping series. Joe from Athy in Kildare recorded this album on a concert pitch pipes set of made by Paddy Hyland. 

Click on the link here to re listen to the programme: https://www.rte.ie/radio/rnag/eachtraigh-dom/programmes/2022/0308/1285155-eachtraigh-dom-d-mirt-8-mrta-2022// 

If you liked any of the tracks from this album you can go to our store and purchase a copy for yourself, just click on the link here:  https://pipers.ie/store/products/uilleann-piping-from-county-kildare-joe-byrne/  or as a digital download from our Bandcamp here: https://joebyrne.bandcamp.com/

For more information, contact info@pipers.ie 

Na Píobairí Uilleann wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Ashling Murphy of Tullamore. A talented musician, Ashling was a member of Na Píobairí Uilleann and a keen student of the uilleann pipes. Her passing leaves us shocked, saddened and heartbroken for all of those who were fortunate enough to have met her. Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam.

We are delighted to be returning to in person classes in Henrietta St. on Tuesday 11th January 2022. Classes will run for 13 weeks and cost €130 for the term. Uilleann piping classes will take place at 6pm, 7pm and 9pm while the reedmaking class will take place from 6:30pm – 8pm.

The term will run until Tuesday 12th April with a break for the mid-term on Tuesday 22nd February.

To register for classes or for more information please email ellie@pipers.ie or phone 01 8730093.

Students are reminded that to attend classes you must have an up to date membership of Na Píobairí Uilleann. For more information in relation to our membership, click here.

We look forward to seeing you on the Tuesday 11th January.

*In line with Government restrictions, indoor classes will be limited capacity and all attendees over 18 years will be required to provide a Covid 19 Cert (being fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 within the previous 6 months) and a valid photo ID.

To support individual artists and the wider arts sector in Ireland, we will keep our site visitors and members updated on funding opportunities that may be of interest.

Liam O’Flynn Award – Arts Council & National Concert Hall

The Liam O’Flynn Award is a joint initiative of the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon and the National Concert Hall/An Ceoláras Náisiúnta as part of their partnership for the promotion, appreciation and enjoyment of traditional arts, which also includes the Tradition Now festival of traditional music.

In memory of the piper Liam O’Flynn, the Liam O’Flynn Award celebrates the role of the individual creative traditional artist in the creation of new works, the inception of unique artistic collaborations and innovations, and in the transmission of traditional arts for future generations to enjoy and practice.

The purpose of the Liam O’Flynn Award is to provide a traditional artist with a period of artistic reflection, inspiration and creation in residence in the National Concert Hall and to enhance appreciation, knowledge and enjoyment of the traditional arts across the rich milieu of the National Concert Hall.

The Liam O’Flynn Award is open to application from traditional artists working in any of the following genres; instrumental music; singing; dance; oral arts such as storytelling, agallamh beirte or lúibíní. The Liam O’Flynn Award welcomes applications from senior artists, established artists in mid-career, and young and emerging artists.

One award will be made in 2022. The closing date for applications is the Thursday 20th January, 5:30pm. For further information see: https://www.artscouncil.ie/Funds/Liam-O_Flynn-Award/

Note: As this is a non-NPU funding opportunity, please see the relevant website for the latest information and eligibility requirements. 

29th November 2021

 NPU Achieves Investors in Diversity Bronze Award

Na Píobairí Uilleann (NPU) is delighted to become the first Traditional Music organisation to be presented with the Investors in Diversity Bronze Award by the Irish Centre for Diversity.

The Award reflects the successful work carried out to date by NPU to embed Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) across the organisation, work that is increasingly important given the diverse interest in the uilleann pipes, both nationally and globally, and the emergence of new voices in Ireland.

NPU Chief Executive Gay McKeon said: “We are absolutely delighted to see the progress being made by Na Píobairí Uilleann, endorsed by the receipt of this Award. It is a very important milestone in our journey, striving for excellence in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion.

“We have worked diligently to champion these values in our activities and to show leadership in this area but it is important to stress this is very much an ongoing process.

“NPU is committed to continuing this work with the Irish Centre for Diversity to ensure that we reach all sectors of society, at home and abroad, and that we continue to assert the critical importance of equality, diversity and inclusion.”

NPU was recognised with the award following an analysis of its work, policies and training in relation to diversity and inclusion. A commitment to continuous improvement is a goal shared by both organisations and NPU will now prepare for the next step of the journey in enhancing its status further. 

Investors in Diversity is Ireland’s only D&I performance accreditation. The programme recognises D&I efforts and supports the journey of continuous improvement by providing a structured framework to transform practises and culture.

About Na Píobairí Uilleann

Na Píobairí Uilleann (NPU), the Society of Uilleann Pipers was founded in 1968 when there were less than 100 uilleann pipers remaining. Today NPU is a thriving arts organisation dedicated to Sharing the Sound of Ireland through Access, Education, Performance and Preservation.

Since unveiling its restored Georgian premises at 15 Henrietta Street, Dublin, in January 2007, NPU has been busy catering for the expanding demand for regular tuition, as well as releasing a number of significant publications and recordings. With demand for pipes considerably exceeding supply, a dedicated Training Centre – PipeCraft – was established in 2011 to deliver training in the very highly skilled craft of uilleann pipemaking. NPU is accredited by UNESCO as a competent Non-governmental Organisation in the field of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).

NPU lobbied the Irish Government to ratify the UNESCO Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage which resulted in the inclusion of Uilleann Piping on the UNESCO representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2017. Na Píobairí Uilleann’s primary funding agencies include The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and Dublin City Council.

For further information

Website: www.pipers.ie

Phone +353 1 873 0093

Email: info@pipers.ie

Facebook: napiobairiuilleann

Twitter: @Napiobairi

Instagram: @napiobairiuilleann

Press Release on behalf of Na Píobairí Uilleann

Monday July 26, 2021

Na Píobairí Uilleann is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniela Ferretti and Ellie Nic Fhionnghaile to the administrative staff of the organisation following an extensive recruitment process.

Daniela will succeed Anne-Marie Bell as NPU Administrator as the latter departs to pursue further academic studies. Ellie takes over from Clara Grunefeld as Administrative Assistant as Clara departs to return to her native Germany.

Taking up her position on August 13 next, Daniela will manage a vibrant office dedicated to the delivery of world class services to uilleann pipers, makers, piping enthusiasts and the world of Irish traditional arts. Reporting directly to the chief executive, she will play a central role in the day-to-day implementation of NPU’s annual arts plan, organisational strategy and the future development of the organisation. Ellie commences her role with NPU today and will report to the Administrator.

Speaking about the organisational developments, NPU Chief Executive Gay McKeon said: “On behalf of the Na Píobairí Uilleann I would like to sincerely thank Anne-Marie and Clara for their contribution to the work and progress of NPU over the past number of years and wish them both the very best in their future endeavours. I would also like to congratulate Daniela Ferretti and Ellie Nic Fhionnghaile on their respective appointments and wish them every success in their new roles.”

Daniela Ferretti, an uilleann piper, studied Contemporary Music at the University of Macerata, Italy before moving to Dublin where she worked in the advertising industry. She has assisted NPU as a volunteer for International Uilleann Piping Day over the past ten years.  

Ellie Nic Fhionnghaile, a fiddle player, music teacher with a keen interest in the arts, is completing a Masters in Music Research and holds a BA (Hons) Degree in Applied Music from Dundalk Institute of Technology.

For further information contact NPU  info@pipers.ie  tel: +353-1-8730093

About Na Píobairí Uilleann

Na Píobairí Uilleann (NPU), the Society of Uilleann Pipers was founded in 1968 when there were less than 100 uilleann pipers remaining. Today NPU is a thriving arts organisation dedicated to Sharing the Sound of Ireland through Access, Education, Performance and Preservation.

Since unveiling its restored Georgian premises at 15 Henrietta Street, Dublin, in January 2007, NPU has been busy catering for the expanding demand for regular tuition, as well as releasing a number of significant publications and recordings. With demand for pipes considerably exceeding supply, a dedicated Training Centre – PipeCraft – was established in 2011 to deliver training in the very highly skilled craft of uilleann pipemaking.

NPU is accredited to UNESCO as a competent NGO in the field of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).

NPU lobbied the Irish Government to ratify the UNESCO Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage which resulted in the inclusion of Uilleann Piping on the UNESCO representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2017.

Na Píobairí Uilleann’s primary funding agencies include the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and Dublin City Council.

Na Píobairí Uilleann, 15 Henrietta Street, Dublin 1, Ireland

W: www.pipers.ie E:info@pipers.ie P: 00353(0)1 8730093

www.facebook.com/napiobairiuilleann

www.twitter.com/Napiobairi 

Preaseisiúint de chuid Na bPíobairí Uilleann

Dé Luain 26 Iúil, 2021

Tá áthas ar Na Píobairí Uilleann a fhógairt gur ceapadh Daniela Ferretti agus Ellie Nic Fhionnghaile mar bhaill de mheitheal riaracháin na heagraíochta i ndiaidh phróiseas fairsing earcaíochta.

Tiocfaidh Daniela i gcomharbacht ar Anne-Marie Bell mar Riarthóir NPU, agus Anne-Maire ag fágáil le tabhairt faoin staidéar acadúil an athuair. Ceapadh Ellie mar Chúntóir Riaracháin in áit Clara Grunefeld, atá ag filleadh ar na nGearmáin, arb as di ó dhúchas.

Cuirfidh Daniela tús lena post ar an 13ú Lúnasa, agus déanfaidh sí bainistiú ar oifig bheomhar atá tiomanta do sheirbhís den chéad scoth a chur ar fáil do phíobairí, do dhéantóirí píob, do dhíograiseoirí píob agus do shaol na n-ealaíon traidisiúnta. Tuairisceoidh sí go díreach don phríomhfheidhmeannach, agus beidh ról lárnach aici i gcur bhfeidhm laethúil phlean ealaíon bliantúil NPU, an straitéis eagraithe agus fhorbairt thodhchaí na heagraíochta. Cuirfidh Ellie tús lena ról le NPU inniu agus tuairisceoidh sí don Riarthóir.

Ag caint dó ar na forbairtí eagraíochta dúirt an príomhfheidhmeannach, Gay McKeon: “Ba mhaith liom, thar ceann na bPíobairí Uilleann, buíochas ó chroí a ghabháil le hAnne-Maire agus le Clara as a ndearna siad ó thaobh obair agus forbairt NPU le roinnt blianta anuas, agus guím gach rath orthu amach anseo. Ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a dhéanamh le Daniela Ferretti agus le hEllie Nic Fhonnghaile as a gcuid ceapachán agus guím gach rath orthu ina gcuid ról nua.”

Is píobaire í Daniela Ferretti, a rinne staidéar ar an gCeol Comhaimseartha in Ollscoil Macerata, san Iodáil, sular aistrigh sí go Baile Átha Cliath mar ar oibrigh sí san earnáil fógraíochta. Tá cúnamh tugtha aici do NPU mar oibrí deonach ar Lá Idirnáisiúnta na bPíob Uilleann le deich mbliana anuas. Is fidléir agus múinteoir ceoil í Ellie Nic Fhionnghaile a bhfuil an-spéis aici sna healaíona. Bhain sí máistreacht amach sa cheol le deireanaí agus tá céim onórach aici sa Cheol Feidhmeach ó Institiúid Teicneolaíocht Dhún Dealgan.

Is féidir tuilleadh eolais a fháil ach teagmháil a dhéanamh le NPU  info@pipers.ie  guthán: +353-1-8730093

Eolas faoi Na Píobairí Uilleann

Bunaíodh Na Píobairí Uilleann (NPU) in 1968 ag an am a cheaptar nach raibh ach thar ar 100 píobaire uilleann fágtha sa tír. Ach is eagraíocht atá faoi bhláth inniu í agus é mar aidhm aici Fuaim na hÉireann a Roinnt trí Rochtain, trí Oideachas, trí Thaibhiú agus trí Chaomhnú.

Ón am ar oscail NPU a áitreabh i dteach Seoirseach athchóirithe i 15 Sráid Henrietta, Baile Átha Cliath in 2007 tá sé ag freastal ar an éileamh atá ag fás gan stad ar oiliúint rialta ar an uirlis. Tá sé ag foilsiú agus ag eisiúint taifeadtaí tábhachtacha ó shin i leith freisin. Toisc go bhfuil éileamh thar na bearta ar an uirlis í fhéin, bhunaigh NPU a sainionad oiliúna PipeCraft in 2011 chun oiliúint a chur ar fáil ins an saincheird ardoilte de dhéantús píbe.

Tá NPU creidiúnaithe le hEagraíocht Oideachais, Eolaíochta agus Chultúir na Náisiún Aontaithe (UNESCO) mar eagraíocht neamhrialtasach inniúil (NGO) in san earnáil a bhaineann le hOidhreacht Chultúir Dholáimhsithe (ICH).

Chuaigh NPU i mbun stocaireachta le Rialtas na hÉireann chun go ndaingneodh sé Coinbhinsiún UNESCO maidir le hOidhreacht Chultúir Dholáimhsithe. De thoradh ar sin chuir UNESCO Píobaireacht Uilleann ar a Liosta Ionadaíoch d’Oidhreacht Chultúir Dholáimhsithe an Chine Daonna i Nollaig 2017.

Is iad príomh-mhaoinitheoirí NPU ná An Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán, An Chomhairle Ealaíon agus Comhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath.

Na Píobairí Uilleann, 15 Sráid Henrietta, Baile Átha Cliath 1, Éire

Suíomh Idirlín: www.pipers.ie

Rphost: info@pipers.ie

Teileafón: +353 (0)1 8730093

www.facebook.com/napiobairiuilleann

www.twitter.com/Napiobairi

Dublin City Council commemorated the great Leo Rowsome with a plaque located at Belton Park Road in Donnycarney. Read more about the unveiling and the importance of Leo’s work in a recent article from the journal of music.

www.journalofmusic.com/news/plaque-unveiled-uilleann-piper-leo-rowsome