Cumann Píobaireachta Tharlach Mhic Suibhne
Email: donegalpipers@gmail.com
4 Eanair, 2012
Press Release
Donegal Uilleann Pipers Form New Association
Players of the uilleann pipes as well as those interested in the music of the instrument have formed a new organisation to promote the playing, making and appreciation of this uniquely Irish instrument in Donegal. The organisation, Cumann Píobaireachta 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 Exhibition in Chicago in 1893 as a special guest meant that he came into direct contact with the famous musician, collector and biographer Captain Francis O’Neill. O’Neill’s writings on Mac Suibhne give the most extensive insight to this interesting musician.
The recent meeting, held on December 31st in Mac Suibhne’s native Gaoth Dobhair, was attended by a strong representation of the uilleann pipers in the county who agreed to found the association along a constitutional framework with the primary aims of education and teaching as well as the development of both the appreciation for the instrument’s music as well as their manufacture and maintenance. The association aims to maintain strong linkages with other similar organisations such as Na Píobairí Uilleann as well as the uilleann pipers group in Derry.
Billy Finn of Ballyshannon was unanimously elected lifetime Honorary Patron. Officers elected were Ciarán Mac Fheidhlimidh, Chairman, Paul Harrigan, 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 aiming 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.
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