In the late 70’s there was a pipemeker living in Oldcastle, Co. Meath - he was a Garda (police officer),. Anyone know who I am talking about, and what his name is?
Hello Emer
That could have been Peter Maguire. I think Brian McNamara plays one of his sets. I don’t think that he made very many sets, he used to work with Matt Kiernan.
Regards
John Moran
Thanks, Seanie, that name rings a bell. I have a set of D drones made by him, lovely workmanship, but couldn’t remember his name. Isn’t it extraordinary the number of people that worked ewith Matt Kiernan?
Hi Emer
Mick Coyne brought me out to Matt’s house in 1979 to get my first practice set. Matt wrapped it up in brown paper and tied it with twine (a bit like the old style drapers shops that used to be around).
He was a lovely person and a thorough gentlman. He corresponded with pipers and pipemakers all over the world (he showed me some of the letters, one contained a couple of new tunes for Matt to learn).
Tom Meehan was his next door neighbour (father of Seamus and Francis) and used to help him make parts of the pipes.
I have only got fond memories from Matt and visiting his house was one of the great pleasures that I had around then.
Regards
John Moran