In Pursuit of Excellence The Story of an Uilleann Pipe Maker

Martin Preshaw lives in the beautiful heart of Co. Fermanagh making Uilleann pipes. In this film Martin tells the story of how he became an Uilleann pipe maker, what is involved in making this most wonderful of all the bagpipes, and how he almost gave it all up. This is a story not just for those who love Uilleann pipes but a touching human story of how others impact us so positively bringing us to places in life we never imagined.
The music in this documentary is all played on Uilleann pipes made by Martin. Two wonderfully talented pipers, Pádraig McGovern and Peter McKenna play jigs, reels and slow airs showing the true beauty of these instruments.
This documentary is the first made by Fr. Darragh Connolly.
darraghconnolly.com

[@brianfitzgerald1638]

When Martin said he was giving up pipemaking, I almost swore! Glad to see it was a blip - all artists at some point question the quality of their work and purpose; I am glad you made it through to the other side. Your piped are amazing.

[@joshlicht1359]

Most brilliant people on the planet for me - uilleann pipe makers - forget about astronauts, politicians, brain surgeons, footballers, these guys take the cake, truly unsung hero's. I looked into making pipes a little while ago with an Australian pipe maker Ian Mackenzie, realised it was beyond me with the years I have remaining. I'd be happy just to make a decent reed....I've tried explaining to 'regular' non piping folk what goes into a set of pipes.....If I ever win the lottery I'll buy a set (third) Martin, keep up the beautiful work.

[@FredLandsbergen]

Its all about craftmanship: beautiful documentary on the man who makes wonderful uillean-piping possible by facilitating very good instruments. Perseverance in pipemaker, pipers and filmer and the results are not only a prsent for my eyes and ears but for my belief in craftmanship too. We need guys like this. Thank you all very much.

[@darraghconnolly4979]

Thank you Fred!

[@MarkBlackwellWoodWinds]

Certainly a lot of honest sentiment in this production. The love of the craft and it’s challenges has persevered in Martin’s case. Fair play to him and hope he gets his reward. Not easy.

[@Siabod57]

Thank you so much for your lovely film it is wonderful to see where my chanter was made and to meet Martin 🙏🍀

[@darraghconnolly4979]

Thank you Clive!

[@milesnagopaleen]

What a wonderful film! Well done to all involved.

[@nicolettevanderwaal5518]

Ahhh Martin, so great to see and hear you in this documentary! My good ol’ neighbour.. 🙏You are such an excellent craftsman. So glad you fill this world with great sounds and music, thank you! Enjoyed every minute of this video 🙏

[@streetwiseguitar5113]

I just loved the film!!!! Iontach iontach maith. Ta athas orm a ra go bhfuil Is é Martin mo chara. Cheap mé Bhí obair Martin i gcónaí iontach tá obair Martin ar fheabhas le blianta beaga anuas.

[@darraghconnolly4979]

Go raibh míle maith agat! Martin’s work really is exquisite.

[@ianthompson9201]

Can't find words to express how much I've enjoyed watching this superb film. The title sums it up perfectly: musical excellence and excellence of craftsmanship. The tale of long years perfecting techniques and constantly learning new ones---the refusal to take the easy road of doing a quick just-about-good-enough job is inspiring; the period of doubt must ring a bell with everyone; then the heartening news that Martin finally realises that he MUST continue to make ever-better pipes, not simply for his own fulfilment but also to satisfy the demands of first-rate players for first-rate instruments so that an honourable tradition will never die. In a world riven by anxiety and fear for the future, this film reminds us that, with faith in what we do and what we believe in, nothing is unachievable. Twenty-nine minutes and five seconds of sheer inspiration!

[@darraghconnolly4979]

Ian. Thank you so much for such high praise. It was a pleasure to make and a privilege to shed a light on Martin’s work.

[@RonanBrowneMusic]

Ahhh, what a gorgeous film. Lovely to hear you chatting so openly about your journey, Martin. Like so many others, I was hooked from the start. Keep up the wonderful work both of you, Martin, making those lovely sets of pipes and Fr. Darragh, what can I say, yer a Renaissance man with your work on Harmoniums, then playing the pipes and now a top notch film maker…! Martin, I’m overjoyed you’re back at the lathe and the workbench. They are where to be! And the world is a better place for you being in it giving such happiness to pipers 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@darraghconnolly4979]

Thank you Ronan! Thank you for your help with the photos. It was great fun to make this film.

[@RonanBrowneMusic]

Well, I, for one, am looking forward to your next offering 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Elvisb981]

I totally enjoyed this Martin . You gave a great appreciation of your journey in becoming a craftsman. To be able to make a musical instrument by hand that comes alive when played is a true gift. Wishing you many more years of mastering your talent.

[@gregorynuttall]

I enjoyed the entirety of this production. Thanks for all the work that went into this. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@darraghconnolly4979]

Thank you Bradley!

[@patrickodonnell4109]

A beautiful film. Your dedication is an inspiration to all of us who love uilleann pipes. Thank you 🎶

[@darraghconnolly4979]

Thank you Patrick!

[@newdawnrecordings]

Inspirational from start to finish. Amazing craftsmanship. Thank you ☀️

[@johnliestman]

Excellent all around! Thanks.

[@darraghconnolly4979]

Thank you!

[@eowenspa2]

Utterly fabulous

[@williamswhistlepipes]

Great insight into the making of these fine bagpipes👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Marcblur]

He's not lying when he says reed making is a dark art.

[@martintino6945]

great job. I enjoyed watching and listening to the story. Amazing documentary

[@darraghconnolly4979]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Wretchildstonerdoom]

Awe inspiring craftsmanship and artistic creativity beautiful instrument and truly amazing to hear and see the hand work done by a true artist . Thank you .

[@alexnavar]

Superb in many aspects! 👏👏👏

[@patrickmartin8832]

Very impressive

[@darraghconnolly4979]

Thank you!

[@r.g.8416]

EXCELLENT JOB 😊❤🙋‍♂️

[@crissmarch7461]

Quel beau travail, quel beau montage. Juste merci beaucoup, best 30 minutes I had in a long time

[@darraghconnolly4979]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@resipsaloquitur13]

Wonderful piece here. Well done, sir.

[@alphar5807]

Really great production Darragh! Thoroughly enjoyed watching it. I am continuously impressed by the high production quality on KZbin these days by channels that have not yet reached the subscribers/view count they deserve. Congratulations on a great piece of work! Was really interesting hearing Martin's story and the pipers featured are clearly very talented and have put in a lot of work to reach that standard!

[@darraghconnolly4979]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was sure fun to make.

[@UniqueChannel654654]

This is just skallagrim, you ain't foolin me!

[@ConORiain1]

Clár iontach. Go raibh maith agat!

[@darraghconnolly4979]

Tá fáilte romhat. Go raibh maith agat freisin.

[@eannaocroinin2675]

Clár den chéad scoith, faoi fhear ceirde den chéad scoith. Nár lagadh Dia do lámh a Mhartin.

[@darraghconnolly4979]

Thank you Éanna!

[@heathrichardson4242]

In the past two weeks I’ve ordered everything I need to start making reeds.... in my impatience waiting for things to get delivered, on a whim, I bought a lathe at the weekend.... what have I done?

[@PeterEvans_music]

Are you making pipes now?

[@heathrichardson4242]

@@PeterEvans_music not yet… I bought a better wood lathe last year and still saving up for a metal lathe to make reamers before I can really start on pipes. My reeds are getting pretty good though.

[@Irishguy97]

What’s the name of the song in the back ground

[@darraghconnolly4979]

Which particular part Aaron? The opening piece is Sliabh na mBán anyway.

[@bridboland8839]

Go h'álainn