Foundation - A close examination of the Dublin Pipers’ Club minute book (1900-04) reveals the cross-fertilisation of interests coming together to promote Irish music. The development of Irish music in Dublin can be traced mainly through the fortunes of the Dublin Pipers’ Club from the period 1900 to the present day. Gratten Flood stated that after an existence of six years (1906) the Club got into
financial difficulties and in 1911 was in a moribund condition. The last entry signed in the second minute book of the Dublin Pipers’ Club dated the 14th of October, 1913 is a request from Padraig Pearse via Eamonn Ceannt for pipers to play at a feis in aid of St. From the period between the last entry in the minute book 15 January 1914 and a letter dated 2 November 1921 re-convening the Pipers’ Club in 1921, we have no documentary evidence of the Club’s existence. Leo Rowsome stated that the Civil War put an end to all music gatherings and he missed the friendly sessions of the Pipers’ Club. The Civil War also disrupted the Oireachtas and subsequently, no instrumental competitions were held in 1922. In 1923, there were a very limited number of events. In 1924 the Oireachtas was held in Cork with very disappointing entries. There were no entries in the uilleann piper or pipe learner competitions. According to accounts, most people felt that there was no longer a need for the Gaelic League or specialist music organisations, that the country was in safe hands and our culture would receive due recognition from a native government. The first flush of enthusiasm from the cultural revival had run its course. It had in fact started to decline after a peak in 1905, reaching a low in 1915 and revived again in the years leading to the War of Independence. These ups and downs were reflected in the numbers of entries in the musical competitions held by the Oireachtas. An tOireachtas was discontinued after 1924 and it was not held again until 1939 when it was re-established in the Mansion House, Dublin with over 200 competitors who entered songs, plays, poems and music pieces. From 1925 to 1936 the Pipers’ Club in Dublin ceased to exist. the music continued to survive in the homes of the following musicians: William Rowsome and John Brogan (both pipe makers living in Harold’s Cross), John Potts of The Coombe, and James Ennis of Finglas
Leo Rowsome was instrumental in reviving the Pipers’ Club at this period. He got together a few enthusiasts and the Club was revived in Schoolhouse Lane off Molesworth Street. In an article “The Origins of our Ceilidhe Bands”, Leo Rowsome stated that after a performance in the Siamsa Mor in the Phoenix Park in 1936, Leo canvassed his pupils (thirty pipers) with a view to reviving the Pipers’ club. This initiative was well received, thereon they immediately arranged a meeting and subsequently Leo was elected chairman. In an article by Liam Rowsome (Leo’s son) in Treoir reprinted from The Irish Press, he states that Cumann na bPiobairi was founded in 1936. In 1946 the Pipers’ Club moved to Arus Ceannt, 14 Thomas Street. The Club began to thrive from then on, mainly due to the prudent management of Jim Seery and Paddy McElvaney. Andy Conroy brought Johnny Doran to the Club at this time and Paddy McElvaney recalled great piping sessions with Johnny and Leo Rowsome. Traditional music was still confined to the back streets and it was felt by many people that there was a need for a national organisation to promote our native culture. The identity of the Pipers’ Club was eclipsed by the phenomenal growth of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, founded in 1951 by members of the Pipers’ Club at 14 Thomas Street. The new organisation was known as Cumann Ceoltóirí na hÉireann but was shortly changed to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. A number of very energetic members of the Pipers’ Club gave unstinting service in the formation of a national organisation. They included Jim Seery, Leo and Tom Rowsome, and Paddy McElvaney. The Pipers’ Club in the 1950s and 1960s became a Mecca for visiting musicians and invariably musicians in town for a broadcast (broadcasts including Ceili House were recorded live) came to the Club afterwards. Many of the ceili bands of the period were connected to the club. They included the Kincora, Eamonn Ceannt and the Castle Ceili Bands. Families with connections to the original 1900 Club and Schoolhouse Lane were still involved. Leo Rowsome taught the Uilleann Pipes every Saturday night and invariably he played a session of music afterwards to everyones delight. Sean Seery, Jim Dowling and Mick Toughy were regular performers on the pipes. In the 1970s Sean Keane was teaching the fiddle and produced a group of fine fiddle players. The Pipers’ Club Ceili Band also came into prominence and won All-Ireland honours at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann. The premises at 14 Thomas Street were no longer adequate for the crowds attending each week. After much deliberation and a close vote the Pipers’ Club moved from 14 Thomas Street to a new premises located at Belgrave Square, Monkstown, in 1976 and is flourishing. As in previous moves of location, families with long connections to the Club kept the continuity. Paddy McElvaney, John Keenan and the Quinn family were among the people who provided the link. The branch was re-named Craobh Leo Rowsome, Cumann na bPiobairi in honour of its most distinguished musician.
- Extract from "History of the Pipers' Club" by Mick O'Connor
