Mayo piper calls for presidential candidates to showcase national instruments

A MAYO piper has called on whoever is elected the new President of Ireland to showcase both the harp and the uilleann pipes when greeting dignitaries at Áras an Uachtaráin.

As the race for the Áras begins in earnest, Ballina native and renowned uilleann piper Eamonn Walsh has called on the three presidential candidates to give a commitment to ensure that both the uilleann pipes and the harp are given special recognition.

The uilleann pipes and harp are Ireland’s national instruments and Mr Walsh believes that both instruments should be played at any official events hosted by the new president.

“I am calling on the incoming Úachtaráin na hÉireann, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the OPW to give serious consideration to showcasing our two national instruments on the steps of Áras an Uachtaráin as foreign Heads of State are being received. 

“Traditionally the Army number one band plays host to such ceremonial occasions but the two Irish national instruments which have been awarded UNESCO status and should also be used on the steps of Áras an Uachtarain as foreign dignitaries are escorted in the main entrance,” he said.

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Mr Walsh previously played the uilleann pipes in the Dáil Chamber during the centenary of Seanad Éireann and has also played at the funeral of a number of people including Gay Byrne and more recently Mayo-born poet Paul Durcan.

He also believes it is appropriate to have the two national instruments played on the steps of Dublin Castle during the presidential inauguration.

Each year thousands of students come from all over the world to learn the uilleann pipes and harp at various summer schools held throughout Ireland each year while 700,000 people were in attendance at the All-Ireland Fleadh which took place in Wexford this summer.

“How many countries can boast two national instruments. We should be proud to showcase our national instruments on all State occasions including Government buildings and Government ceremonial occasions. What better way to give an Irish welcome to foreign dignitaries," he noted.