Ann Lane, a political activist from Cork and personal assistant to Mary Robinson as Senator and as President of Ireland 1990–1997, was living in the early 1970s in 42 Lower Mount Street in south central Dublin, a Georgian building in a terrace since demolished and replaced by an office block. She acted as its caretaker as it awaited redevelopment. Uilleann piper Liam O’Flynn and his brother Michael took an apartment in the building about 1972, as did, somewhat later, the famous traditional music collector and musician Seamus Ennis. Late-night parties were held in the house, and it became a meeting place for contemporary traditional musicians. They included those who were then in the process of forming the group Planxty, soon to be world-famous, and Planxty held its first rehearsal in the house.

Ann Lane made recordings at parties in no 42 on audio cassette, a new technology then, and also at the landmark Planxty concert in the National Stadium, Dublin, in 1973. She recorded Seamus Ennis in performance at the Swamp Folk Club in Rathmines, Dublin, at about the same time. Ann has kindly donated her recordings and photographs of the period to the Irish Traditional Music Archive, and a selection of the recordings is presented here. She has also recorded an interview on camera for ITMA about her musical memories of the time.

With thanks to Ann Lane, and, for permission to reproduce these recordings of their music, to Andy Irvine, Dónal Lunny, Matt Molloy, Christy Moore, and Liam O’Flynn.

Nicholas Caloran & Danny Diamond,  1 October 2011

Liam O’Flynn / Ó Floinn (1945–2018), internationally renowned virtuoso uilleann piper and whistle player, was a native of Cill, Co. Kildare. He was long known as Liam Óg, having been named after his fiddle player father Liam, headmaster of Cill national school. With family and musical connections to Tralee, Co. Kerry, and to Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, Liam was recognised early on as a more than talented piper. He took lessons from Leo Rowsome in Dublin, and later played with and was influenced by Willie Clancy and Seamus Ennis. But in time, he developed his own highly individual rock-steady, perfectly pitched style of mixed open and tight piping — piping expressed in solidly rhythmic dance tunes and in sweeping airs. Never losing contact with his traditional roots, he began a long series of music collaborations in 1972 with Christy Moore, Dónal Lunny, and Andy Irvine, as members of the innovative group Planxty. Through Planxty, Liam’s piping came to international as well as national attention, and brought a whole generation to uilleann piping. In the 1980s, he embarked as a solo piper with orchestral accompaniment on an original series of compositions by Shaun Davey, the best known being The Brendan Voyage. In the late 1990s, he formed his band The Piper’s Call; together they made one of his many recordings on the Tara label. He played on numerous film scores, and worked with experimental composers such as John Cage, popular singers such as Kate Bush, and fellow traditional musicians such as fiddle player Paddy Glackin. With the poet Seamus Heaney, he developed The Poet and the Piper, an occasional and much admired stage performance. In 2007, Liam was awarded the TG4 ‘Ceoltóir na Bliana’ Gradam Ceoil. He also served on the ITMA Board.

The Liam O’Flynn Collection at ITMA

Liam O’Flynn collated a vast personal archive over his 50 year career. This precious collection was donated to ITMA by Liam’s wife, Jane, after his untimely death in March 2018, ensuring his legacy is preserved for present and future generations. Liam O’ Flynn’s legacy flourishes in this magnificent collection and is inspiring on multiple levels. The opportunity to ‘Draw from the Well’ at ITMA has been a magical and unforgettable journey into the music, life and times of one of Ireland’s most influential pipers, Liam O’Flynn.

I spent much of the summer of 2020 exploring the Liam O’Flynn Collection at 73 Merrion Square and the journey was incredibly inspiring in so many ways. ‘Drawing from the Well’ has given me the opportunity to connect with the personal collection of Liam O’Flynn and has allowed me to gain a very special and rare insight into the ideologies, key reflections, influences, music and life of one of Ireland’s most iconic pipers. Without doubt, this is a collection I look forward to revisiting time and time again.

Liam composed the jig titled, ‘The Piper’s Stone’ having being inspired by this ancient site and area of incredible beauty in Co. Kildare. One of my ‘Drawing from the Well’ highlightswas a visit to The Piper’s Stone organised by ITMA. The visit was very special and memorable and it was wonderful to meet Jane O’Flynn, Liam’s wife at the source of the inspiration of this composition. Jane gave us a rare insight into Liam’s sources of inspiration and musical life, and the day concluded with a visit to Liam’s home and music room. As one can imagine in any musician’s life this was a truly unforgettable day and I will treasure these memories for many years to come.

Sunset

For me there is something very special in the light of a long summer’s evening which can create a great sense of calm. This tune was inspired by such an evening in the west of Ireland culminating in a magical and breathtaking sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

Liam O’Flynn

The Return of the Pedalboard

This tune concerns a cantankerous and unpredictable piece of electronic equipment which belongs to that great musician and friend Arty McGlynn. On more than one occasion on stage it has caused its owner great distress and the rest of us great amusement. So when it went missing after a trip abroad all seemed safe and well. But, unbelievably, it re-appeared soon after – delivered safely home by a returning musician. A new tune seemed the only response!

Liam O’Flynn

Compositions of other musicians are included in the collection including the reel ‘Barr na Cúille’ composed by Néillidh Mulligan. A hand-written transcription and note by uilleann piper Néillidh Mulligan accompanies the tune. Liam requested the tune having heard Néillidh play it in The Cobblestone in Dublin.