Internationally acclaimed musician Mickey Dunne has been awarded the University of Limerick’s President’s Medal.
The renowned Limerick musician, one of Ireland’s most influential uilleann pipers, is acclaimed for his ‘open style’ of piping and exceptional craftsmanship as a pipes maker, as well as being a skilled fiddle player.
Raised in Lenihan Avenue in Prospect and now a resident of Caherconlish in Co Limerick, Mr Dunne was described as a “piper, teacher, composer, master craftsman and singer” at the ceremony in Plassey House, where he was awarded the medal by Acting UL President Professor Shane Kilcommins.
The President’s Medal is recognises individuals or organisations external to the University for having made an outstanding contribution and have provided exceptional service to the University, the region, the State or internationally.
It was formally established in 2023 to coincide with the University’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Mr Dunne, whose two daughters Brid and Niamh are both graduates of UL and are prolific performers in their own right, is a teacher and an innovative collaborator, inspiring pipers both in Ireland and at international gatherings such as the many tionóil organised by Na Píobairí Uilleann, the global organisation devoted to promoting the uilleann pipes.
He has also contributed greatly to the undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in traditional music at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at UL, providing teaching, guidance and support to countless pipers since the inception of the Academy 30 years ago.
Blessed with the gift of creating beautiful uilleann pipes, Mickey Dunne’s contributions as a pipes maker are equally significant, with countless musicians playing instruments crafted by him, and his reed-making skills have also earned him widespread admiration.
His deep expertise has been instrumental in promoting Irish music and culture on the global stage.
Mr Dunne, who performed with his daughter Brid during the ceremony, said he was “stuck for words”, adding that “this is not for me at all, this is for my father and my family and all the Dunnes – it is not for me. I don’t know how to express it, but I am thrilled”.
Reading the citation ahead of presenting the medal, Professor Kilcommins said: “Although Mickey has performed and taught across the world, his enduring legacy will be his music, his deep knowledge of a rare and dwindling part of Irish traditional music and his generosity in sharing this knowledge with others.
“As well as preserving the nomadic Irish piping tradition, Mickey has advanced the art as a legacy synonymous with the great Traveller musicians of the past. Through his music, Mickey brings a deeply personal connection rooted in his Traveller heritage
“As one of the last living links to the Traveller musicians’ tradition, his lived experience as a Traveller musician is invaluable to the traditional music community and crucial to understanding Ireland’s cultural heritage. His contributions help to preserve not just a style of music but a way of life that is rapidly disappearing.
“There has long been a lack of proper recognition for the contributions of Irish Travellers to Ireland's cultural heritage and it is hoped that awarding Mickey the President’s Medal will be a significant step towards addressing this oversight, as well as a powerful statement of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
“Mickey is a cultural gem, and we are very fortunate to have him in our surround. Today’s event is testament to the esteem and great affection in which this unique and important musician is held.”
