LOUISE MULCAHY

At 13 I was the only girl in my class and would get the odd comment. Now, piping is my life. I’m so happy when I perform

Louise Mulcahy looked to the past to forge her own future in piping.

The uilleann piper has been at the forefront of research into the history of female piping, giving recognition to the women who not only played the pipes in the 19th and early 20th Centuries but who paved the way for musicians such as herself.

Music was always a part of her life growing up in West Limerick. Her dad played the accordion and encouraged his children to play, and to inquire about the traditions and history of tunes and performers.

“I started on the accordion at four, then whistle and flute, and the pipes at 13. I would travel to Dublin for lessons,” said Louise. “I was the only girl in those classes and I would get the odd surprised comment, that a girl of 13 was strapping on the pipes, but I never experienced any discrimination.

“With my dad playing music, I’ve been fortunate that the environment I’ve been immersed in has had equal opportunities for my sister and I.

“It was obvious there were few women playing the pipes when I started.

“The first commercial recording by a female piper was 1978.

“It was around a similar time that female pipers in Scotland were allowed to compete. From the ’70s until now, I think it’s changed dramatically. There is a huge increase in the number of women pipers and greater visibility, which inspires others to take up the instruments.

“Other developments include tiny adaptations to the pipes which make it more comfortable to play on the frame of a woman.”

As well as an acclaimed piper, Louise’s historical research has led to her giving lectures around the world on the subject.

“There’s a real thirst for information on women in piping and I’ve been invited to different places to give talks about it,” Louise added.

“Piping is a special part of my life. I’m at my happiest when I’m performing and it’s opened doors I didn’t know existed.”