Champion Piper at Fleadh

Robert’s performance will be one of the highlights of the open air stage free concert in the middle of Dungiven town.

Robert will be playing the Great Highland Bagpipes as a contribution to the unique theme of this years’ Fleadh which is based on the historic marriage of the Irish Gaelic chieftain of the O’Cathains’ daughter Finvola to the son of the Scottish chieftain of the MacDonnells, Lord of the Isles from Islay, in the 15th century.

Robert is the winner of many Ulster, All-Ireland and World Championships and in particular the 6 times winner of the Solo Piping Championship at the Lorient Festival in Brittany, France where he had to play a selection of Irish, Scottish and Breton music to the judging panel.

Robert plays a range of pipes including the bellows blown Lowland (small) pipes, Border pipes and Irish Uillean pipes.

Much of Roberts’ musical influence has come from the Western Isles of Scotland and therefore it is fitting that he will be leading the street pageant re-enacting the historic 15th century Marriage of Finvola and 24 of her brothers to the son and daughters of the Lord of the Isles. The street parade and theatre of local community groups will be held on Saturday 28th of July from 9pm.

Further information on the Ulster Fleadh 2012 and its schedule of events can be found on line at www.ulsterfleadh.com

The Ulster Fleadh 2012 will cater for the needs of 2,600 competitors and up to 25,000 spectators over the eight day festival, which began earlier this week. The Fleadh promotes Irish culture and arts to a wider audience by celebrating the historic local connection between Irish and Scottish traditional arts and culture.

It is organised by ‘Dungiven Comhaltas’, who promote traditional Irish arts and culture in Dungiven through weekly music, singing and dance classes and a variety of cultural events during the year.

The Comhaltas is an independent member of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann who describe themselves as the largest ‘not for profit’, non sectarian, non political voluntary group involved in the promotion of traditional Irish music, culture, arts and language with 75,000 members and 500 branches worldwide. Through their cultural programmes, they provide services to three million people across the globe annually.