Pipers Club calls new tune
The gloriously plaintive sound of the uileann pipes wafting onto the Main Street from St. Iberius Church signalled the launch of the reformed Wexford Pipers Club which is continuing a tradition dating back to the 1700’s.
The idea of re-establishing the club came from Catherine Roche, a fine uileann pipes player in her own right and one of the energetic people behind the successful Shelmalier and Crossabeg School of Music which runs weekly traditional music and singing classes in Crossabeg national school. Catherine is hoping to use those same organisation skills to build the Wexford Pipers Club back into the powerful musical force it once was and is currently recruiting interested new members.
A special guest at the club launch was Gay McKeion of Na Píobáirí Uileann who was proudly playing a set of pipes made in the early 20th century by Wexfordman Sam Rowsome. Wexford has enjoyed a long association with the uileann pipes and has produced many leading players down through the years.
One of the highlights for those in attendance at the inaugural session was seeing Reverend Arthur Minion getting a hands-on lesson in uileann pipe playing from the master himself Gay McKeon who was impressed with how quickly the cleric got to grips with the task.
The re-launch of the club was organised as a Wexford Opera Festival fringe event. If you are interested in playing the uileann pipes contact Catherine Roche on 087 0533952 or keep an eye on www.wexfordcomhaltas.ie.