Patrick Hennelly was one of the few uilleann pipe makers in the mid-twentieth century, when interest in the pipes was at its lowest ebb. He helped sustain the instrument by reedmaking, repair and making new instruments. By the 1970s he was considered by some to be the last of the uilleann pipemakers in the US. Hennelly lived most of his life in Chicago but became known nationally for his efforts. He was born in Seefin, County Mayo in 1896, immigrated to the US in 1924 and arrived in Chicago in 1927. He was apprenticed in Ireland a coachmaker and as such was greatly skilled in carpentry, metalworking, leatherworking and toolmaking but made his living as a carpenter. Hennelly made pipes for Tom Ennis, Kevin Henry, Joe Shannon, Martin Beirne and other pipers. Most of his pipes were in the style of the Taylor brothers of Philadelphia, the best regarded of American makers. Hennelly made at least eight full sets and a few chanters, and one Hennelly set of unusual design is now held by Na Píobairí Uilleann. He lived at various locations in south Chicago, with his final address at South Prospect Avenue where he died in 1978.