This is probably a slightly odd question. Which piper(s) do you consider most deserving of a cover picture in An Piobaire who hasn’t yet had this honour? (that’s not to say that anyone who has already been on the cover didn’t deserve the honour). I’d imagine most of the high profile pipers around have been featured but I may be wrong in this assumption, although obviously the cover photograph is not just there to honour the Ronan Bowne’s, Mick O’Briens, Liam O’Flynns etc.
Hello!
Just a question, are you looking for a younger, up-and-coming piper, or a more seasoned player? I must say I’m completely ignorant when it comes to the uilleann piping world, but two young musicians that are pretty high-profile would include Louise Mulcahy and Tara Howley (the latter being from Riverdance). I’m definitely no judge as far as “good” uilleann piping is concerned, but I believe both of these ladies have won All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil titles on either the uilleann pipes or their other instruments. Just a couple suggestions that came to mind.
Cheers!
Louise Mulcahy has been on the cover.
I’d like to see her on page three.
RORY
The covers seem to feature a broad spectrum of players: young and old, unheardofs and the uber-famous. I think that’s a good thing.
Something to bear in mind is that publications like this go to press well in advance of when they show up in your mailbox.
Has Chris McMullan had the honour yet?
Oh, oops. Haha, Sorry about that! Like I said, I’m completely ignorant on the subject. 
I didn’t mean for that to sound smart… I actually was worried that it might. If it did, I’m sorry. I just remember her being on the cover once.
I agree with Tommykleen: I like the variety of the focus of the NPU journal. We are so lucky that NPU, a.k.a “the Mother Ship” exists. 
No you’re fine. I wasn’t the least offended at all. 
Has Jarlath Henderson been on there yet?
Why do you feel somebody might be “most deserving of a cover picture”?
For recognition of their contribution to uilleann piping, perhaps someone who’s hosted a piping club for many years and has welcomed newcomers and helped players to progress. Perhaps for want of a better phrase unsung heroes. Such a person I heard about recently is Noel Devine in Belfast who’s helped many upcoming pipers, another I know of is Edwin Spring who has helped to advance piping in the south-west of England, and Tim O’Dowd of London as well. However, I appreciate that putting someone on the cover is not just about honouring ‘worthies’, or again, high-profile players, since it also shows a range of players of all ages and at different stages of learning.
Bill Ochs.
In Memoriam.
Me
RORY
I’m not familiar enough with the Simpsons to find the character depicted in your avatar, but I imagine the cover with you may look something like this:
That picture actually bears a striking resemblance to my family after finals week!
Actually this would be closer to what I look like .
RORY
I get you.
I don’t think anybody at N.P.U. cares much for what happens outside of Dublin, so those people you mention might as well live on another planet.
Someone needs to photo-shop a low D being brandished in that fist of his .
I was seriously tempted to. I was going to make it look like an An Piobaire cover too… but I decided it wasn’t spending my relatively little time off photoshopping Homer Simpson.