News to me and doesn’t seem right. Anyone to confirm/correct this?
Mr. Gumby,
Last I knew, Pat at age 85 was still doing OK. It seems that any news such as that suggested by Elaine would have sent a wave of sadness felt throughout the ITM and whistle communities. Though Mr. O’ Riordan has stopped making whistles, I hope he is enjoying life and good health.
Cayden
As of last week, Pat was just fine. He does not check his email, and his daughter told me that he is taking a well-earned rest from making instruments.
Best.
Byll
That confirms what I thought.
Recently in the Irish Times I read of another man who can play the whistle referred to as ‘the late Ivor Browne’. You get the shiver and ask yourself ‘did I miss something?’ immediately followed by the suspicion someone got something dreadfully wrong.
Anyhow, thanks for putting things straight.
“The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated” - Mark Twain
Thank goodness!
Pat
Thanks for clearing that up. I’ve never dealt with anyone better than Pat, who always seemed the least impressed with his wonderful whistles. A long time ago, someone on this Board sold me two O’Riordan Travelers, as he was no longer playing - 3-piece low D and an angelic G; perhaps it was before all the after market buzz began but I remember getting them at Pat’s own prices. Years later, I dealt direct with Pat and he made me the finest set of A/Bflat Travelers, also at seemingly the same level price as years before. I noted to him what his whistles were bringing in and asked why he wasn’t charging more (ok, maybe not a smart negotiating tact on my part), and he said he doesn’t care what others do with his whistles after the fact, but he just makes them and keeps charging what he’s comfortable with. Several years later, I won an ebay bid for a Traveler D/C set at about 2x Pat’s price, part for a charity contribution. These days, it can be almost disarming running into such a level-headed straightforward gent. Be well Pat!
Philo