In Pursuit of Excellence The Story of an Uilleann Pipe Maker 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Excellent all around! Thanks.

What a wonderful film! Well done to all involved.

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 🙏

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!

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.

Very impressive

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 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

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.

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

Utterly fabulous

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

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

Superb in many aspects! 👏👏👏

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

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

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

Wonderful piece here. Well done, sir.

EXCELLENT JOB 😊❤🙋‍♂️

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 .

Really great production Darragh! Thoroughly enjoyed watching it. I am continuously impressed by the high production quality on RU-vid 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!

Clár iontach. Go raibh maith agat!

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

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

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?

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

Go h'álainn