Name:

Gary Roche

Address:

Cork City
Ireland

Occupation:

Musician-Uilleann Piper

When I was younger, so much younger than before.......

I remember that faithful Monday night, even though I was only 8 years old. My father came into the front room, disrupted my watching of 'Coronation St.' and told me we were going out and to get my jacket. I was trilled to be going out in the car so late at night, as I thought he was about to tell me it was time for my bed. On the way to wherever it was he was taking me, he asked me if I would like to learn an instrument? I clearly remember not being too pushed about it.

So, in we both went to the class and a saw what I thought was a strange looking instrument.

It was this night that my life was changed forever. I could not imagine my life today without being able to play the pipes. It was all thanks to my Father,Shamie, and for that I will be eternally grateful. This club and the tireless efforts of the volunteers who run the club are what kept the Irish traditional pipes scene alive in Cork.A man called Sylvester Ryan (RIP) was the teacher. Sylvester had started up the club again after it had lay dormant for over 10 years. He was extremely patient, and also made my full set of pipes which I use today. He was a wonderful and interesting man,who introduced me to the pipes and made music fun and interesting to learn. He was a tragic loss to all that were so lucky to have met him and I know he is still missed.
For the last 14 years, I have been a member of the local Áras club. This is where the Cork Pipers Club is located, and also where I was first introduced to the magic of the pipes. For the past 4 years I've been teaching pipes to adults and children alike,at the club, and I get great enjoyment from this.

Now I'm older, I should have known better........

My first travelling experience through music was in April of `94 when I was invited to play on the 'Comhaltás' 'Tour of Ireland' tour which,came just before my Junior Cert., which was in June. After much persuasion I convinced my parents to let my go on the 3 week long tour. It was the best experience. I made some fantastic friends which I still meet and keep in contact with today. Needless to say, my Junior Cert. results suffered. Then in April of my Leaving Cert. year I was given a ticket to Australia in exchange for one single Gig. I could not pass up an offer like that. It was brilliant.I stayed for a month and once again, my schooling suffered. I really should have known better but since then, I have pretty much been travelling for half the year each year. But I love it dearly. I'm very lucky as all my friends understand that it has become my career and I need to go and don't get odd with me when I'm leaving all the time.

Since all that, I have won three All Ireland championship Uilleann Pipes Medals, toured Australia extensively on numerous occasions, visited America twice, the United Arab Emirates,South Korea,Scotland and of course toured Ireland again.

 

 

 

After a Ceilí on the Aran Islands !!!

This is me in Abu Dabhi.

 When I was in Australia.

Fanny Power into The Copper Plate