I just learned, the 2014 All Ireland under 12 whistle championship was won by Iarla McMahon, 10, of County Down playing a Freeman tweaked key of D Bluebird. His mother told me, the adjudicators commented how sweet the whistle sounded.
Keegan Loesel (age 15) competed in several 2014 All Ireland categories on Freeman whistles. To my knowledge, Larla’s the first to win the top honors with one of mine. Needless to say, I’m thrilled to hear this.
Best wishes,
Jerry
Now there’s a feather in your cap!
Keep up the good work, Jerry.
Bob
That’s so great Jerry, rewards for your hard work, and dedication!
Very cool Jerry!
I think it’s Iarla. Capital-i.
Awesome news, and long past time!
Kudos Jerry!
Thanks, Brus.
I’ve corrected the spelling. Iarla it is.
That’s excellent, Jerry!! Congratulations!
Congrats Jerry!
Kinda makes it all worth while, doesn’t it ? Congratulations, Jerry!
Congratulations! An affirmation from the judges that you’re doing things right.
The way the competition scene is, don’t be surprised if you’re suddenly flooded with orders!
Because competition breeds conformity (competitors come to believe that judges prefer a certain sound) and imitation (competitors figure that they had better go with what wins).
The kids were scrambling to get Sindts, so I was told, and now they might start scrambling to get Freeman Bluebirds.
A friend of mine, around 20 years ago, ascended to the highest level of Scottish solo piping competition. At that time “the” sound was the sound of the then-recent solo Naill chanter, which pretty much all top competitors were using in their pipes. My friend had always played a different make of chanter which had done him well throughout his rise through the solo ranks.
When he reached the highest level of competition he came in last place in every contest. The judges never seemed to like his sound. Finally one judge actually wrote on his scoresheet “get a Naill chanter” and my friend did. From the very first contest playing the Naill he began placing in the middle of the pack.
And here’s the lad himself …
Too cute for words!
Congratulations, Iarla and Jerry!
Hearty Congrats, Iarla and Jerry !.. 
That’s wonderful! At least I have one thing in common with a tinwhistle champion. 
Congratulations, Jerry
You have a shirt like that too???
Best wishes.
Steve
Congratulations Jerry!
Great news!
Congrats to you and the young lad. 
I always knew I was buying the right whistles!! Love my blackbird, and my mellow dog … but I don’t have a bluebird yet…
Nice Jerry, congratulations!
Cayden