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Statement on UNESCO announcement to ratify Ireland’s Uilleann Pipes as a representation of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Date: Thu 7th Dec, 2017 | 11:33

“The decision by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation UNESCO to give global recognition to the unique cultural significance of the making and playing of Uilleann pipes is a welcome and much deserved tribute to the sounds and culture of our island, and is further good news, following the earlier decision to inscribe The Irish Folklore Commission Collection into the UNESCO ‘Memory of the World’ register.

Mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, cuirim fáilte leis an bPíobaireacht Uilleann a bheith á cur san áireamh sna hiontrálacha ar Liosta Ionadaíoch na hOidhreachta Cultúrtha Doláimhsithe de chuid EOECNA, mar shiombail thábhachtach den mheas atá ar an  saghas agus ar an gcineál uathúil píobaireachta uilleann i gcultúr na hÉireann.

[As President of Ireland I welcome the inclusion of Uilleann Piping among the entries in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, as an important symbol of appreciation of the unique form and role of Uilleann piping in Irish culture.]

This inclusion represents an honour for a most valuable part of Irish culture, and for Uilleann Piping throughout the world, and is a valuable recognition of the skills, imagination, creativity and importance of those who make, restore and play na píobaí uilleann.

We are very proud of our reputation for creativity and music traditions; a reputation which is greatly enhanced by our craftspeople who have passed their love of music and talent from generation to generation down through the centuries. Our music and craftwork connect us in profound ways, weaving together cultural memory and contemporary vision.

Ba mhaith liom tréaslú leo siúd a rinne a gcion chun an t-aitheantas idirnáisiúnta seo a bhaint amach, trí thacú le moladh na hÉireann an Coinbhinsiún maidir le Caomhnú na hOidhreachta Cultúrtha Doláimhsithe a dhaingniú, agus tríd an gceird agus an ealaín a bhaineann le déantús agus seinm na píbe uilleann a chaomhnú le linn na mblianta crua. 

[I wish to congratulate those who have made this international recognition possible, by advocating for and supporting Ireland’s ratification of the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and by safeguarding the art of the manufacturing and playing of the pipes throughout the lean years.]

The UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage showcases and celebrates human diversity and ingenuity, and raises awareness of the importance of protecting our shared cultural heritage.”