There was a huge turnout for the funeral of the legendary Irish uileann piper, Liam O’Flynn, which took place in Kill, Co. Kildare this morning.

Liam was one of the greatest pipers of his generation. His work with Planxty during the first half of the 1970s was ground-breaking and changed the course of Irish folk and traditional music – and he went on to enjoy a successful career as a session musician and musical collaborator, working with international luminaries like Emmylou Harris, Kate Bush and Mark Knopfler, as well as a host of Ireland’s leading recording artists.

The funeral was attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, who had earlier paid glowing tribute to the musical achievements of the Kildare man.

President Higgins spoke about the important and lasting legacy of his music. The President added that the Planxty man was one of the sources of inspiration behind the founding of Na Píobairí Uilleann in 1968.

“It must to him have been a source of great pride and satisfaction,” the President added, "that Unesco recently added the uilleann pipes to its register of important and unique cultural heritage symbols."

The non-religious service took place in a simple church, and music was played by by Christy Moore, Iarla O Lionard, Steve Cooney, Kevin Rowsome, among others, while the eulogy came from renowned fiddle player, Paddy Glackin.

Also in attendance at the funeral were Riverdance composer Bill Whelan and songwriter extraordinaire, Paul Brady.

Mourners came from across the spectrum of Irish music and also included composer Shaun Davey, with whom Liam O’Flynn did some of his finest work, Hot Press editor Niall Stokes, Micheal O Suilleabhain, Sean Keane, Cathal Goan, Stephen Rea, John Munnis, Brian Masterson, Mick Hanly, Maurice Cassidy, Noel Eccles, Tara Records John Cook, RTE’s John Kelly, Other Voices’ Philip King, John Sheehan, formerly of The Dubliners, and many more well known faces.

Liam is survived by his wife Jane and his sister Maureen as well as a large community of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. After the funeral service, he was cremated at Newlands Cross Crematorium.

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