An Píobaire

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Editorial

Death of Willie Clancy Summer School Director, Muiris Ó Rocháin

It is with great regret that we note the death of Muiris Ó Rócháin on October 17th. Despite his long illness, he did his best right up to the end and will be very much missed by all lovers of Irish music and the Irish language.  Muiris always went quietly about the work of the Summer School, maintaining an authenticity in its focus, direction and scope of activities.  It can truly be said that he served as one of the great benefactors and supporters of uilleann piping.

So many pipers and students of piping, pipe-making and reed-making started out or advanced their careers and developed their musical talents and forged friendships at the Summer School. The lectures, the discussions, the memorable sessions, the book and record launches and all of the spin-off activities at this world-class event in traditional music, song and dance, have been developed and sustained under the initial vision and initiative of such greats as Séan Reid, Martin Talty, Junior Crehan and Muiris Ó Rócháin, acting on the vision of Willie Clancy and all of the other kindred spirits who planned for a major music teaching activity.  Under the leadership of Muiris and his team, this major venture has grown from strength to strength over almost forty years.
The great cultural legacy of Muiris Ó Róchain is impossible to fully assess except to say that while he was truly international he was also very much a local figure. Pipers are incalculably indebted to his tireless and outstandingly successful life’s work.  We will all sadly miss Muiris, a kindly, self-effacing and earnest leader. May he rest in peace.

To Una, Seamus, Máire and all of his extended family we in Na Píobairí Uilleann extend our sincere sympathy on their great loss.

Pipe-making

A dedicated six-week pipe-making course, with twelve students, started at our workshop in Clonshough in early October. The course is being run under the supervision of Ray O’Toole, an experienced engineer and machinist who has been employed as workshop supervisor and manager. The instruction is being provided by pipemakers Bill Haneman and Cillian Ó Briain.

16 Henrietta Street

The planning application for the redevelopment of 16 Henrietta Street has recently been formally approved by Dublin City Council.  The next steps in this very important project will be pursued and we hope that successful progress on the construction of the small theatre and associated construction works will enable NPU to improve the range of our services to the traditional music community. There is much work to be done but getting planning approval is a major step along the way.

International Uilleann Piping Day

This took place on Saturday 15th October. Piping, reed-making and related music events took place around the world in different time zones to get uilleann pipers together and to raise awareness of the instrument. To judge from the reports coming in and from our Facebook page, the event was a great success.  Our thanks to all who participated and helped in any way.