Thanks Gerry. My brother Luke Holian actually invited me to participate here.

I have been playing the Bagpipes for many years. I would like to share with as many people as possible that the Bagpipes are not solely a Scottish instrument. The Irish have always played the Bagpipes and actually named them The Irish Warpipes. They were set up to look and sound exactly as our Scottish cousins - but only had two drones, not three. They had a long Bass drone and a shorter Tenor drone.

My first Bagpipe band that I played in was named Inis Fada Gaelic Pipe Band.  Inis Fada translated to "Long Island", and we played at the Irish American Hall in Mineola, "Long Island", New York.

We played both Scottish and Irish music, but what set us apart, was playing some great Irish tunes. My first tune ever on the Bagpipes was Let Erin Remember. Other simple marching tunes that followed were The Minstral Boy, and Sean South of Garryowen. We also played complicated Irish jigs and reels too.

I read an article in Ireland of the Welcomes, that stated the Kevin Barry and his Flying Brigade, usued the Irish Warpipes in their campaigns and attacks as a way to inspire the troops.

More to come on the Irish Warpipes...I just thought I would give you food for thought (and discussion!)

Slainte!

~Michael Holian