Patrick Flannery (piper) facts for kids

Patrick Flannery was a famous Irish musician who played the uilleann pipes. He was born in Aughrim, County Galway, Ireland, and later moved to New York City, where he passed away in 1855.

Flannery was blind from birth. Because of this, he learned to play the uilleann pipes, a special type of Irish bagpipes, as a way to earn a living. He became very skilled at playing this instrument.

Early Life and Music

Patrick Flannery grew up in a village called Aughrim in County Galway, Ireland. This village was very important to him.

His Signature Tune

One of Flannery's most famous songs was a sad tune called The Battle of Aughrim. This song remembered a big battle that happened in his home village way back in July 1691. It was his "signature tune," meaning it was the song he was best known for playing. He even taught this special tune to his student, John Coughlan, and his nephew, William Madden.

Life in America

In 1845, Patrick Flannery moved from Ireland to New York City in America. He traveled with the Coughlan family and his nephew, William.

A Popular Performer

Even though he was getting older when he arrived in America, people loved his music. He often played his pipes on the streets of New York City. People were so amazed by his playing that they would give him money. He was known for his powerful and beautiful music.

Patrick Flannery lived with his friend, James Quinn, in New York City for many years. He continued to play music and share his talent with others.

His Final Performance

Patrick Flannery passed away in 1855. He died while playing another one of his popular tunes, The Bucks of Oranmore, for an audience on the streets of Brooklyn. He did not have his own family, but his nephew was still alive.

Flannery's Famous Pipes

Patrick Flannery's uilleann pipes were very special. A pipe maker named Michael Egan made them in Liverpool, England. Egan was very proud of the pipes he made for Flannery. He said that making those pipes helped him become well-known as a pipe maker.

The Journey of the Pipes

After Flannery passed away, his special pipes went to his friend, Mr. Quinn. Mr. Quinn made sure Flannery had a proper burial. Later, the pipes were owned by someone named Ald McNurney. He found them too big to play comfortably. So, he traded them to Bernard Delaney, who could still play them, even though they were older and played at a different musical pitch than modern instruments.