Legacy of Liam O'Flynn immortalised
Jane Flynn, sculptor Simon Carman, and Special guest, Dr Mary Mc Aleese who unveiled the Commemorative Sculpture for Master Piper Liam O’Flynn in his hometown of Kill on Friday 3 October
THE life and legacy of renowned uilleann piper Liam O’Flynn was immortalised in stone in his hometown of Kill, County Kildare, with the unveiling of a commemorative sculpture Liam O’Flynn Píobaire in his honour.
The unveiling ceremony took place on Friday 3 October in Kill, where former president Dr Mary Mc Aleese delivered a poignant keynote address, alongside guest speakers.
Dr McAleese had a strong affiliation with Liam O’Flynn, having commissioned him to write a piece of music for her 2004 presidential inauguration in Dublin Castle, which he titled ‘An Droichead’.
Liam was also the musician of choice to accompany President McAleese at many State events during her Presidency. Poignantly, Colm Broderick who has been gifted Liam's uilleann pipes after his death played An Droichead, with the tune resounding across the Parish Park, to a backdrop of the unveiled artwork, framed by autumnal leaves. Liam's nephew, Olaf Vize spoke of a special lifelong bond and reflected on a childhood memory of 'sneaking a go' on Liam's pipes.
Storm Amy did not deter a large crowd from attending the event, with attendees from Feile Liam O'Flynn, the musical community and the wider public. Many of those attending remembered being taught by Liam's parents in the Old School House, where fittingly refreshments were served and pipers gathered to perform some of Liam's tunes.
Following an open competition in 2024, a committee of five, which included three of Liam’s musical friends, Pádraic Mac Mathúna, Paddy Glackin and Gay Mc Keon, Lucina Russell and Liam's wife, Jane, selected a design by sculptor Simon Carman. Simon is a highly regarded artist his notable works include a stunning sculpture at the National Stud of Ireland’s famous thoroughbred stallion, Invincible Spirit, as well as many other pieces.
On the commission award, Simon said: “It has been a profoundly uplifting experience and a privilege to be a part of honouring the legacy of Liam and his art. I feel without knowing him, I got to know Liam. He was always somehow present, a helping hand throughout the process.” Liam O’Flynn Píobaire is a representation of Liam’s hands playing the uilleann pipes, carved in limestone supplied by McKeon Stone, Stradbally, which will also feature musical notation from An Droichead.
Jane said: “Liam was a modest man who would have been uncomfortable with a figurative artwork. When the committee saw Simon’s proposal, which focused in on the master’s hands playing the pipes, we felt that it captured the essence of the man and the music. This commission presents a great opportunity for the legacy of Liam's music to live on.” The unveiling is a welcome addition to the Féile Liam O’Flynn, which has been building momentum since its foundation in 2021. The commission was supported by the Féile and grant aided by Kildare County Council with the support from Naas Municipal District, Na Píobairí Uilleann and private sponsorship.
