When I was young my father would listen to folk/trad music. He had a fine collection of vinyl records that he would listen to including the likes of The Bothy band, Planxty, Dick Gaughan and the The Chieftains. I really liked listening to Planxty and the Bothy band; the wonderfully full sound, backing accompaniment and of course, that included the bouzouki !
Around 11 years old I started to learn a wee bit on tin whistle and later progressed on to the uilleann pipes. I attended the Armagh Pipers Club for a few years for piping lessons. I was taught by the late Mark Donnelly and also by Brian Vallely.
After I finished school I attended technical college and completed a four year joinery and wood working course. This included in house college training, workshop and site training. When I finished serving my time I mainly worked on finish joinery projects, design, build and install. I then moved into sign making for several years. I really enjoyed this work. It was very creative and usually the jobs where one off unique projects. I would design, build and install everything from scratch. It was a great challenge to work with new materials, such as metals, plastics, glues and composites; here I also learned to use CAD software and CNC operated machinery.
Having heard me talk about the Bouzouki, my wife bought me my first one as a surprise Christmas present.
I was delighted but struggled with the heavy neck and I didn’t find it very comfortable to play. I thought a mandolin would help break me in to stringed instruments, so I bought one and played on it for a while. I was frequenting a few sessions and was lucky to have access to some great players and their instruments. I started to try out a few Foleys, Sobells and the like. I quickly realised I wanted better instruments to play on but I couldn’t justify the cost at the time.
In 2008 the recession was starting to take it’s toll and work looked like it was going to get quiet. I decided it might be the time to try build a few instruments. I ordered enough materials to build four or five. However, this dream didn’t last long as by the time the materials arrived I was back in work. That lead to 10 odd years of demanding management rolls in fit out companies, and a growing family. During this time I restored a few banjos and carried out some repair work. I enjoyed working on these instruments but still had the grá to build my own and see what could be possible.
Then, life allowed us to move to Co.Wexford, my wife’s home place. I was confident I had the skills to make an instrument and given enough time I was hopeful I could produce to a good standard. I still had the box of materials I ordered back in 2008. I opened the box and said I would take a few years out of the day job and give it a go !
My instruments have been well received and some highly regarded musicians play them. Please have a browse through the media gallery to see and hear my instruments in action.