The Ulster Unionist Party’s Culture, Arts & Leisure spokesperson, Leslie Cree MLA, hosted the 2014 International Uilleann Piping Day at Parliament Buildings, Stormont.
The North Down representative said:
“This is the third successive year in which I have had the pleasure to sponsor this event and once again I was delighted to welcome so many people - especially our young visitors - to Parliament Buildings where we had the opportunity to join together in celebration of the 2014 International Uilleann Piping Day.
“Special mention must be made of the contribution made by Helena Grimes for her dedication, hard work and love of the instrument to which this day is dedicated. Helena has been key in bringing people of all ages, from all walks of life, from across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and beyond, together through music.
“She has worked tirelessly to keep her late father Leo Rowsome’s musical legacy and tradition alive. In his lifetime he manufactured, restored, promoted and performed the Uilleann pipes and also taught the instrument to many of Ireland’s most famous accomplished musicians. At Stormont on Saturday his own set of pipes that he made when he was nineteen years old under the guidance of his father William were on display.
“We had a wonderful day learning about the history of the Uilleann Pipe and its heritage, whilst simultaneously promoting Belfast and Stormont to a wide audience. “