Iconic musical instrument returns to Ballina
Eamonn Ceannt pictured with his Uileann Pipes
A set of Uileann Pipes belonging to an Easter Rising leader are set to return to Ballina as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Ballina Salmon Festival.
Eamonn Ceannt’s set of Uileann Pipes will be transported from the Curragh Camp Military Museum to the Jackie Clarke Collection as part of this year’s Festival.
The Uileann Pipes date back to 1845 and were last played by Ceannt on St Patrick’s Day 1916, which was only a few short weeks before he was executed for his role in the Easter Rising.
The Pipes will be put on display on the afternoon of July 9 until the morning of July 11. On Heritage Day, July 10, there will be a special performance when well-known world champion Uileann Piper and Ballina native Eamonn Walsh will visit the collection to try out the Uileann Pipes.
The Pipes were last on display in the Jackie Clarke Collection during the 2023 Connacht Fleadh, which was held in Ballina.
The Collection also has on display the original 1916 Rising Proclamation featuring Ceannt’s signature as well as three dispatches written by Eamonn during Easter week 1916 when he was Commandant of the Garrison of the South Dublin Union.
