Among her many glowing qualities, Ireland is a country bursting with character, wit and charm. On this page Martin Doyle presents anecdotes, stories, interviews and music gleaned from the rich tapestry of his own life — a microcosm of the rich and diverse culture that is Ireland.

This story features the tune, The Teelin Highland.


The excerpt above includes the tune, Na Ceannabháin Bhána.
Another version of Na Ceannabháin Bhána can also be viwed here: Excerpts From Sounding Post
Sounding Post was produced by Nina Perry — an independent radio producer, composer and sound designer from London who produces features with Falling Tree Productions for BBC Radio 4. Sounding Post looks at the use of timber in instrument making around the world and Martin Doyle was one of the instrument makers featured. Unfortunately the full version of Sounding Post is not currently available online.

This is a recording of The Aiki Céilí Band — four musicians who are members of Martin Doyle's Clare Aikikai Aikido group in Liscannor, County Clare. The Aiki Céilí Band consists of Martin Doyle (flute), Éamon McCarthy (flute), Frank Healy (double bass) and Gabrielle Cappachione (guitar). The tunes were recorded at the Liscannor town hall, where Martin holds his Aikido classes, for a radio programme called The Music Tree which features Martin Doyle on a visit to Tanzania. >> Read more
Tunes: The Green Fields of Rosbeigh and Paddy on the Railroad (traditional Irish reels)

Asides from his obvious fondness for the Irish flute and traditional Irish music, Martin Doyle is a multi-instrumentalist who plays the tin whistle, Uilleann pipes, mandolin, banjo, piano, electronic keyboard and the classical flute. The aquisition of a William Richards wooden concert flute (inscribed with the makers name and 'Brooklyn, New York' but no date — there is no information regarding this maker on the internet) inspired Martin to practice more frequently on the concert flute. In February, 2010, Martin recorded the following unnamed Johann Joachim Quantz piece at his home — performing both parts of this delightful duet. Quantz (1697-1773) was a renowned flute maker/player and composer who Martin studied for a time when beginning his flute making career.

Return to the About Martin Doyle page