Na Píobairí Uilleann

Chairman, NPU

An Píobaire

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8 2 28 20120411 28 ~ REPORTS ~ Donegal Uilleann Pipers form New Association P LAYERS of the uilleann pipes as well as those interested in the music of the in- strument have formed a new organisa- tion to promote the playing, making and appreciation of this uniquely Irish instrument in Donegal. The or- ganisation, CUMANN PÍOB- AIREACHTA THARLACH MHIC SUIBHNE, is named after the most notable of Donegal pipers throughout history, Tarlach Mac Suibhne, commonly known as An Píobaire Mór. Mac Suibhne was a legendary piper who spent most of his adult life in Lunniagh in the parish of Gaoth Dobhair. His attendance over a number of months at the World’s Columbian Exhibi- tion in Chicago in 1893 as a special guest meant that he came into direct contact with the fa- mous musician, collector and bi- ographer Captain Francis O’Neill. O’Neill’s writings on Mac Suibhne give the most extensive insight to this interesting mu- sician. The recent meeting, held on December 31st in Mac Suibhne’s native Gaoth Dobhair, was at- tended by a strong representation of the uilleann pipers in the county who agreed to found the as- sociation along a constitutional framework with the primary aims of education and teaching as well as the development of both the apprecia- tion for the instrument’s music as well as their manufacture and mainte- nance. The association aims to maintain strong linkages with other similar organisations such as Na Píobairí Uil- leann as well as the uil- leann pipers group in Derry. Billy Finn of Ballyshannon was unanimously elected lifetime Honorary Patron. Officers elected were Ciarán Mac Fheidhlimidh, Chairman; Paul Harri- gan, Vice Chairman; Anna Ní Mhaonaigh, Treasurer and Síle Friel, Secretary. The association will host two teaching workshops on May 12th and October 20th as well as one concert on August 11th. The group also is aim- ing to provide practice instruments for potential students of uilleann piping. It is hoped that within its first five years it will also produce a CD of the music of uilleann pipers associated with County Donegal. Further information can be obtained by contacting the association via email at: donegalpipers@gmail.com. Tarlach Mac Suibhne

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2012-04-21T00:00:00

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