Category Archives: Competitions

Doyle flute features at All Ireland Fleadh

Molly PittendrighWhilst nothing at all can be taken from the effort that musicians put into performing in Fleadh Cheoil competitions, from a instrument maker’s point of view, there are sometimes moments of pride when they hear that their instruments are in the hands of the musicians that win or place. Kudos to the instrument players and kudos to the instrument makers!

This year a Martin Doyle flute was played by Molly Pittendrigh (above right) of County Mayo who won first place in the ’15-18 flute’ and third place in the ’15-18 flute slow air’ competitions at the 2022 Fleadh Cheoil at Mullingar in County Westmeath. Congratulations and well done Molly!

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A short video clip of Molly playing her Martin Doyle flute can be seen here:
Molly Pittendrigh – Video Clips | Martin Doyle Flutes »

Conan Whitley Wins Slow Air Competition

Martin Doyle has just received some happy news from a young flute player who has been competing at this years Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (All Ireland Festival of Music) in Drogheda, County Louth. Conan Whitley sent Martin a message to say that he had just won the Under 18 Slow Air Flute Competition at the fleadh and he sent a photo of himself with the first place trophy in one hand and his Martin Doyle flute in the other.

Conan Whitley

Conan Whitley holding the Under 18 Slow Air Flute Competition first place trophy and his Martin Doyle flute.

The All Ireland competitions are loaded with talented young musicians, the best of the best one could say, and to win first place in any category requires great effort, focus and dedication. Our heartiest congratulations go to Conan and his family!

Seamus Tierney Wins Two All-Ireland Titles

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.

Kathlyn Sheehy Wins Two All-Ireland Competitions

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

Kathlyn Sheehy sporting a well earned All-Ireland trophy and her Martin Doyle flute.

Barry Conaty Playing A Martin Doyle Flute

Barry Conaty is a young flute player from County Cavan. In July he won first place in both the U 12 flute and the U 12 flute slow air competitions at the Ulster Fleadh 2012. Barry plays a Martin Doyle flute and recently sent Martin a very kind and eloquent note regarding his experiences and feelings about the flute.

Hi Martin,
Thank you so much for the time you spent with me and my family when we called to your house & workshop. I really enjoyed playing the flute with you.
While competing at the Ulster Fleadh, the adjudicator continuously emphasised the importance of having a flute with good tone whilst suiting your musical needs. When he announced the winner he commented on the excellent tone of my flute and then said that my flute had the best tone of the competition. I was awarded First Place in the U12 flute and U12 flute slow air competitions [2012]. The thing he looked for most was good tone and confident playing. I get my confidence and good tone from Martin Doyle flutes!!!!!!!

Martin Doyle and Barry Conaty

Martin Doyle and Barry Conaty share some tunes in Martin’s workshop.

Here is a video clip of Barry Conaty playing his Martin Doyle flute.

More comments from flute players all over the world can be viewed here: Testimonials »