Hello whistlers,
Over the years I have had a few inquiries as to the origin of the Feadan model whistle which I manufactured in Ireland from 1979 until 1982. I decided to drop you guys a note explaining how the whole thing came about.
In 1978 I got the bright idea that what was needed was a whistle made in Ireland. Until that time 90% of Irish players were playing either a “Clarke” or a “Generation” whistle…both made in England. I thought that there would be a market for a whistle that was actually made in Ireland. In addition I wanted a whistle that had a moveable head for tuning and made of nickel silver so that it would always be nice looking. In 1979 I, my wife and son moved to Ennis, opened a small factory on the Gort road and started churning out whistles.
I forgot to mention that I had taken on a partner with money to get the business started. We started out great guns and the whistles were selling like mad when my partner decides that he wants the company. He brought a lawsuit against me on false charges aiming to wrest the company away from me. I eventually won the court case but had to fold the company. I then sold the machinery to Michael Whyte of Ennis and he started turning out the whistles known as the “Clare” whistle.
In the meantime I had designed and created the “pocket whistle” which was a whistle that could be disassembled in half so that it would fit in the pocket, like a flute and Michael Whyte started making them. I believe that someone is now selling the pocket whistle which is now being manufactured in Ireland, but I am out of the picture.
Needless to say I never made any money and it was one hellacious experience.
So, that is the tale of the first whistle ever made in Ireland.
All the best,
Patrick Sky