Tom Clarke Recognised as Patron of Na Píobairí Uilleann
Na Píobairí Uilleann has recognised Tom Clarke as a Patron of the organisation in acknowledgement of his exceptional contribution to the uilleann piping community. The presentation took place on Saturday 6th December at the annual Breandán Breathnach commemorative event.
A long-standing member of Na Píobairí Uilleann, Tom Clarke has been teaching the uilleann pipes for almost 50 years. He first took up the instrument in the 1970s, learning at NPU classes in Parnell Square. At a time when teachers of the pipes were scarce, he began sharing the skills he had acquired, beginning a lifelong commitment to teaching and mentorship.
In his professional career, Tom brought the pipes and traditional music, song and dance into schools on both sides of the border through the Jigtime programme. He has also played a central role in promoting uilleann piping in Belfast, most notably through his organisation of the Belfast Piping Tionól for more than 30 years. Through this work, he consistently championed opportunities for solo piping performance and helped establish the concept of “The Piper’s Chair” as a key feature of piping events.
Beyond his organisational and educational work, Tom is widely regarded for his generosity of spirit and quiet encouragement of pipers of all ages. He is a regular presence at piping tionóil throughout the country and teaches annually at Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy. His broad knowledge of music and deep interest in high-quality piping have made him a respected figure within the traditional music community.
Tom Clarke also represents an important link to the history of Na Píobairí Uilleann, having known and learned from figures such as Séamus Ennis, Tommy Reck and other Patrons of the organisation.
Speaking at the presentation, board member of Na Píobairí Uilleann Fionntan Byrne acknowledged Tom’s generosity, enthusiasm and lifelong commitment to the promotion of the uilleann pipes, thanking him for his many decades of service to the organisation and the wider piping community.
