Liam O’Flynn – Píobaire
Easter Sunday 12th April, 9.30pm on TG4
This feature-length documentary tells the story of the master piper Liam O’Flynn, from his work with Irish supergroup, Planxty, to his ground-breaking orchestral work in The Brendan Voyage. A taste of the documentary;
“When I’m playing, I’m certainly lost within it. The only way to describe it is that it’s like looking inwards.” – Liam O’Flynn
Liam O’Flynn was no ordinary musician. Acclaimed soloist, celebrated collaborator of Planxty, Seamus Heaney, and other leading musicians such as Kate Bush, Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris, Liam O’Flynn was one of Ireland’s greatest musicians.
This new feature documentary explores Liam’s remarkable reputation as a musician, revealing his extraordinary relationship with the most mystical instrument in the Irish canon – the Uilleann pipes. An inherited tradition, Liam’s deep understanding and mastery of his instrument brought the unique sound to the wider world – to the ears of many for the first time.
This film examines how his talent developed, and considers how he helped shape the course of Irish music. Interviews with his wife Jane and their friends reveal the thoughtful and private man away from the stage – a man who had a deep affinity with the Irish landscape, and a special love of horses.
Made by DoubleBand Films, this documentary reflects on the life of an icon of Irish traditional music and explores the evolutions of his musical genius through interviews and contributions from those who played with him.
Interviewees include Irish muscial icons such as Christy Moore, Donál Lunny and Andy Irvine, as well as international musicians Mark Knopfler, Ralph McTell and Donovan.
Liam O’Flynn – Píobaire has been produced by DoubleBand Films for TG4 with support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund and Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.
