A Living Legend In Galway

Talk about a ties to the Claddagh. Michael Vignoles was born there, works there, and creates there.  On this afternoon he is shaping reeds for uilleann pipes. They are a small Irish version of bagpipes that you work with your elbow and a bellows. And they have become his life.

He says he first heard them when he was 16 and fell in love with their haunting sound. He builds them, repairs them and plays them. He's known for them. And he's known for his bodhrans too. In fact he says musicians from all over the world come to Galway every year to find him and and his marvelous musical instruments, which are all in his workshop in the Claddagh. 

And if it's late int he day you just might find Michael in the local pubs. He plays the trad sessions most Fridays.