Faces of Galway 81/100
Meet Michael from the Claddagh.
In 1994 Ireland's participation in the FIFA World Cup sent the country into a frenzy and what better way to shout about it but with a Bodhrán. Michael was the man who handcrafted each 20" Souvenir Bodhrán that was sold throughout the country. Although he had been making Bodhrán's and Uilleann Pipes for years this was the first time he had been asked to mass produce a product. Not letting the order of 1000's change his approach to creating these instruments he continued to create each piece by hand, working day and night to ensure the shelves were constantly stocked.
Michael grew up in the Claddagh in a house full of music. He learn to play the Uilleann Pipes early on and continues to play them in many venues around town. Micheal worked as an engineer in Galway based factories for years before turning his passion into a career. He started by learning the art of pipe building from Eugene Lambe from Fanore, Co. Clare, and after making a few Uilleann Pipes for personal use and friends orders started coming in.
Michael now handcrafts Uilleann Pipes and Bodhráns for musicians across the world. He still creates every part of the instrument by hand. As he has a love for music he also provides workshops in the playing the instruments. Michael even provides school workshops where the students learn to make their own Bodhráns and have a lesson in playing them. For more information why don't you check out his website here.