I’ve seen these flutes on EBay, and I’ve also read the sticky thread on the dangers of Pakaistani and Indian flutes. Does anyone have any experience with these flutes that have been touched up in Ireland? Are they junk, are they similar to the M&E wooden flutes that are made in Pakistan and tuned by Michael Cronnoly, a highly skilled flutemaker, or are they somewhere in between?
M&E flutes are not made in Pakistan and tuned by Michael Cronnolly, they are made in Ireland by Michael Cronnolly himself just like his polymer flutes unless otherwise stated. I think he did sell some tuned up Pakistani flutes on e-bay long ago, but the flutes you order from him on his website, which are named M&E flutes are made by himself.
I think it would be a much safer bet to go with a flute with a proven track record instead, like M&E flutes. These tuned up Pakistani flutes may be alright, but I wouldn’t count on it.
You wouldn’t buy an Amrut because it was matured in Dublin like a real Irish
whisky 
no offense…
but why is everyone always rushing for a cheap deal on a flute?
I know money’s tight…but if you’ve never heard of the maker – or no one else has – chances are it’s a bad deal.
You get what you pay for (most times).
AGain…why do people spend such time on this stuff, trolling through garbage in search of the best garbage?
Thanks. Sometimes I kick myself for failing to see the obvious.
Here´s an instrument that seems to have slipped under the radar only AUD 600!!!:
http://www.woodenflute.com/public/forsale
Description: Irish conical bored flute Beautiful sound, made by high quality flute maker Craig Fischer (Australia, 1989). African blackwood, genuine nickel silver for keys etc …
Craig is a very highly thought of maker based in Australia. Worth looking into 
A Chiff member has bought it already, and is in the process of restoring it now. It may become available again after the work is done. I’ve PM’d you with his email address if you are interested. I understand it is a very nicely made Rudall copy.
“A Chiff member has bought it already, and is in the process of restoring it now. It may become available again after the work is done. I’ve PM’d you with his email address if you are interested. I understand it is a very nicely made Rudall copy.” Greenspiderweb.
Thanks, but I´m ok for flutes just now. The Murray I recently purchased is a winner and a delight to play. Craig is very well known in the serious uilleann piping community. He has made som excellent chanters and is a renowned reed maker. He has also amassed a wealth of information regarding 19th century uilleann pipes - a great man. 600 AUD for one of his flutes was a bargain price. 
P.s. I did however make contact with the Twin City fellow offering the 2 year old perfect condition Pratten Olwell for 950 USD on Craigs some days ago - however I realise now that it was probably a scam. I had a contact in Minneapolis who was willing to pay cash in hand for the flute if the seller took it round to his house. My contact is flying to Sweden on the 1st of September so it would have been an oppotunity to good to pass