July 27, 2011
Martin Doyle receives the 2011 RDS Crafts Competition Award (Musical Instruments category).
Martin Doyle has just received the honour of being awarded first prize in the ‘Musical Instruments’ category of the 2011 RDS National Crafts Competition. The award was for a nine key flute made of cocus wood that Martin finished in April.
Martin drove from County Clare to Dublin with his apprentice Gwenn Frin on Wednesday to accept the award and they were joined at the RDS ceremony by Martin’s long-time friend and Aikido teacher Sean MacRuairi (John Rogers).
Martin Doyle has previously entered his flutes in two craft competitions winning major awards on both occasions. He was awarded the Crafts Council of Ireland Medal in 1985 (with an eight key flute made from African Blackwood) and the prestigious RDS California Gold Medal (overall winner) in 1993 (also with an eight key flute made from African Blackwood). Delighted by the encouragement of winning this years award, Martin had this to say:
“Receiving this award is part of an ongoing process to keep our work progressive and interesting. It adds a charm to the whole process to leave the workshop and meet our friends from other places. It also creates a buzz and some excitement among our co-workers because it is quite cute to win a prize and we’re thrilled! We are very grateful to the RDS for holding this competition and for giving us the opportunity to have such fun and joy!”
A joyous Martin Doyle at the 2011 RDS Awards with Gwenn Frin and John Rogers.
Second place in the ‘Musical Instruments’ category of this years National Crafts Competition was shared by two luthiers, Alan Mayers of Antrim and John Moriarty of Dublin. Each year the winning and commended entries from the RDS National Crafts Competition and the RDS Student Art Awards tour to venues throughout Ireland. The exhibitions help promote Ireland’s most promising and talented artists and designers to a wider audience.
Well now!
I’m not at all surprised Martin is scooping up more awards. As I’ve said again and again, I have Rudall & Roses, Pratten Booseys and other scrummy flutes (all of which are gorgeous) yet my reach-for flute is still that lovely baldy (keyless) Martin Doyle.
Well done Marty…!
Ronan