Na Píobairí Uilleann

Chairman, NPU

An Píobaire

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EACH YEAR, at separate events in Henrietta St., Na Píobairí Uilleann honours two people who have made enormous contributions to the world of uilleann piping – Breandán Breathnach (1912-1985) and Leo Rowsome (1903-1970). The Leo Rowsome Commemorative Event will take place on Saturday 22nd February 2014. Leo was the bearer of a long family tradition. His personal contribution to piping is massive and it covers the various aspects of the instrument that NPU is endeavouring to promote: the playing, making (including reeds) and teaching of the pipes. As a player who performed live, made many 78rpm recordings and radio broadcasts, he became well known throughout the country and I still meet people who ask me have I heard of Leo Rowsome – he being the only piper they could name. The pipes (and reeds) he made still set the standard for makers of concert pitch instruments and though they rarely surface for sale – his pipes are much sought after. His teaching spanned half a century from 1920 to his death and many of today’s noted pipers acknowledge his influence on them as a teacher – his pupils ranging from Tommy Reck in the 1930s to Gay McKeon in the 1960s. The programme for the Commemorative Event reflect Leo’s piping life and include a pipe making workshop, an instrument showcase, regulator workshops and a recital which includes the Rowsome Family Group and a pipers’ quartet. Joe McKenna – another of Leo’s pupils – will present the recital. We are pleased to advise that the Arts Council has confirmed our funding level of €332,000 for the twelve months to 31st March 2015. This represents a small reduction of just over 2% on the previous year and we must consider this a reasonable outcome in the current economic climate. We should acknowledge the great efforts, commitment and teamwork of the CEO and staff at NPU, which has been an important aspect of our success in securing the continued support of the Arts Council. We are also delighted to acknowledge the recent granting of an award to NPU from Music Network’s Music Capital Scheme which will enable us to increase our Pipes-on-loan instrument bank by a further 15 practice sets. This really is at the core of what we do by eliminating barriers and providing access to instruments for aspiring pipers. I was saddened to learn of the recent death of Lorcan Dunne. Lorcan and his wife Anne had returned from New Zealand and settled in Kenmare, Co. Kerry where they set up a pipe making business. When Lorcan was based in New Zealand he was responsible for bringing pipers out from Ireland to teach and perform there. In 1996 I was lucky to be one of those invited and I had a memorable time there, experiencing the generous hospitality of Lorcan and Anne in their home in Auckland. Many years ago Lorcan suffered a serious hand injury in a workplace accident but determinedly overcame this and got Alain Froment to make him an “adjusted” chanter to enable him to continue playing the pipes. I extend the sympathy of the piping community to his wife Anne. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal. Tommy Keane Chairman

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2014-02-14T00:00:00

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