Irish poet, Biddy Jenkinson
We boast ‘rare’ because this poem is penned in English and Biddy does most of her writing in the Irish language.
Biddy’s ode to the humble wooden flute can be viewed here: In Praise of Wooden Flutes »
The following video clip features a traditional Irish children’s tune called The Dingle Regatta being performed by Cairde Chualann at the 2013 All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Derry. Cairde Chualann is a group of traditional musicians and dancers who hail from the counties Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare. The group has several flute players who play Martin Doyle flutes and we are told that there were three six-keyed, one nine-keyed and one keyless flute being played in this piece. The harpist is Claire O’Donnell who accompanies Martin Doyle (flute) playing a lovely tune that can be heard here: The Blue Hills of Antrim »
Enjoy the music…
The photo below is of Ellen O’Brien – a young flute player from County Cavan – playing a Martin Doyle flute at the Life of Reilly Festival in August 2013. Ellen played a selection of tunes at Flute Wednesday segment of the festival with Matt Molloy, Órlaith McAuliffe, Laurence Nugent and many others.
Ellen loves her Martin Doyle flute and feels that the tone of the flute is brilliant. She won the Ulster Flute Under 12 competition for dance tunes and slow airs, and then went on to the All-Ireland competitions and really enjoyed the whole experience.
Ellen O’Brien playing her Martin Doyle flute.
Included in recent additions to Martin Doyle Flutes is a very kind testimonial from Cathal McConnell and two delightful tunes from Ronan Browne.
The following words are from the generous heart of Cathal McConnell:
“My friend, flute maker and flute player extraordinaire, Martin Doyle made my B-flat and C flutes, both of which are a complete joy to play! On a recent visit he also gave my ageing Rudall and Rose a much-needed and thorough overhaul. Its cork had been there 150 years!!! A heartfelt thank you Martin, for your craftsmanship as well as your kindness.”
More comments from flute players all over the world can be viewed here: Testimonials »
The two tunes that Ronan Browne has offered, Planxty Irwin (jig) and Hector the Hero (waltz), that are both being played on a Martin Doyle D flute made of Cocus wood.
They can be heard here: Ronan Browne – Flute Music »
Ronan and others can also be seen playing tunes here: Martin Doyle Flutes | YouTube »
Our gratitude to Ronan and Cathal for their generous contributions and kind support.
Teen traditional musician Seamus Tierney won three titles at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil finals at Derry in August, 2013 – two of them playing a Martin Doyle flute. Seamus, who hails from Lavey in County Derry, took first prize in the Flute 15-18 category and third prize in the Flute Slow Airs 15-18 category. He also collected first prize in the Tin Whistle 15-18 category.
Our heartiest congratulations to Seamus! Here he is playing two reels: Kiss the Maid Behind the Barrel and The Morning Thrush.
More Fleadh Cheoil results can be viewed here: Fleadh Cheoil Results | Martin Doyle Flutes »
Kathlyn Sheehy is a young flute player who plays a Martin Doyle flute and won the 2012 All-Ireland Under-12 Flute Fleadh Cheoil competition in Cavan and placed second in the 2013 All-Ireland Under-12 Flute competition in Derry.
Our heartiest congratulations to Kathlyn – well done you!
Kathlyn Sheehy sporting a well earned All-Ireland trophy and her Martin Doyle flute.
More Fleadh Cheoil results can be viewed here: Fleadh Cheoil Results | Martin Doyle Flutes »
Mick McConnell performs The Ballad of Lidl and Aldi – a cracking good yarn written by himself about retail shopping and the effects it can have on ones marriage and living conditions. Mick is the brother of Cathal McConnell and the world is a richer place for the fact that traditional music, balladry and story telling courses through the veins of these lads.
As was reported in the Irish Examiner on Saturday September 28, 2013, “If you’ve ever gone into a certain German discount retailer on a Thursday morning and emerged with more than you intended, here’s the tune for you.”