An Audience With The Pope

24 Sep 1908: Éamonn Ceannt, born at Ballymoe, Co. Galway, entertained Pope Pius X with a set of Uilleann pipes - The International Federation of CYMS (Catholic Young Men's Society) had organised an athletic showcase in the Vatican's Papal Gardens, with athletes participating from all European nations (excluding Russia and England). Ceannt, no doubt, relished the honour of being selected as the Irish delegation's official piper.

Ever a promoter of Irish language, music and culture, Éamonn would don a traditional piper's costume for the duration of the trip and abstain for uttering a word in English. He would speak almost exclusively in Irish but would use French, Spanish or Italian if necessary.

On the morning of 24 Sep, the group marched from their hotel to the Vatican, with Ceannt leading the pack whilst piping away in full regalia.

Upon their arrival, Sean O'Kelly read an official address to the Pope in Irish and presented him with select illustrations from The Book of Kells. The Pope would then address the Irish delegation in Latin. And after the traditional kissing of "The Ring of The Fisherman" the delegation broke into song, delivering a lively rendition of "A Song For The Pope".

As that song faded, Ceannt marched into the hall to the strains of "Ó Domhnaill Abú" - Michael McCann's 1843 ode to the days of Red Hugh O'Donnell.

Impressed with Ceannt's piping, the Pope asked not only to examine Ceannt's instrument, but also for an encore. For that, Ceannt selected "The Wearing of The Green". Would you expect anything less from a future signatory of the 1916 Proclamation?

Note: The Curragh Military Museum collection includes a set of Uilleann Pipes once owned by Éamonn Ceannt, which renowned piper Mark Redmond played in 2020 at Kilmainham Gaol during a decade of centenaries celebration.