In place of the Ace and Deuce of Piping concert, which usually takes place annually at Liberty Hall in Dublin, Na Píobairí Uilleann has released a feature-length film including a number of performances by emerging and well-known artists.

Presented by singer and harper Síle Denvir, the film begins with three sets by young Carlow uilleann piper Colin Broderick. A former pupil of Ciarán Somers, John Tuohy and David Power, Broderick plays the late Liam O’Flynn’s pipes, which were donated to Na Píobairí Uilleann for use by upcoming talented pipers. The pipes were made by Leo Rowsome in 1936. Broderick plays a set of jigs including ‘The Miners of Wicklow’ and ‘Donall na Gréine’, followed by ‘The Fairy Queen’ and three reels.

Doireann Glackin and Sarah Flynn, performing in the Pipers Corner bar in Dublin, also play three sets, including material drawn from their recent album The Housekeepers. Among the tunes are a rare version of the jig ‘The Butcher’s March’ and Tommie Potts’ version of the reel ‘Drowsy Maggie’.

Galway-based Mayo singer Anne Skelton sings three songs in the film, two of which she learnt from her father John Kelly, the war song ‘Break the News to Mother’ and ‘Brave Davitt That is No More’. A number of the artists’ performances are followed by interviews with Denvir. Whistle-player Mary Bergin performs two of her own tunes with Mick Conneely on bouzouki and reminisces on the musicians that influenced her in Dublin and around the country.

Piper Néilidh Mulligan and his daughter Caoimhe on fiddle play a number of tunes, including ‘The Broken Pledge’ and ‘The Dooneen Reel’, and Caoimhe also dances solo to her father’s piping.

The film concludes with a performance by Brian Lennon (flute), Séamus Quinn (fiddle) and Ciarán Curran (bouzouki). Brian’s father Ben Lennon, who died in March of this year aged 91, was originally meant to take part in the concert. The film includes archive footage of the fiddle-player.

Produced and directed by Maitiú Ó Casaide, The Ace and Deuce of Piping 2020 is available to view online until 17 October.

See below or visit https://pipers.ie/npu-tv/