14 Facts About Liam O'Flynn

Liam O'Flynn, Og Flynn was an Irish uilleann piper and Irish traditional musician.

Liam O'Flynn was acknowledged as Ireland's foremost exponent of the uilleann pipes and brought the music of the instrument to a worldwide audience.

In 2007, Liam O'Flynn was named Musician of the Year at the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Awards, considered to be the foremost recognition given to traditional Irish musicians.

Liam O'Flynn was born 15 September 1945 in Kill, County Kildare, Ireland, to musical parents.

Liam O'Flynn's father, Liam, was a teacher and fiddle player.

From an early age, Liam O'Flynn showed musical talent, and was encouraged to pursue his interest in the uilleann pipes by the piper Tom Armstrong.

Liam O'Flynn was influenced by Willie Clancy and Seamus Ennis.

In 1972, Liam O'Flynn co-founded the Irish traditional music group Planxty, alongside Christy Moore, Andy Irvine and Donal Lunny and remained a member throughout the band's various incarnations.

Liam O'Flynn worked on film scores, including Kidnapped and A River Runs Through It.

Liam O'Flynn was adventurous enough to work with avant-garde composer John Cage, but his most natural alliance was with neo-romantic composer Shaun Davey.

Liam O'Flynn worked on projects with Seamus Heaney, mixing poetry with music.

Liam O'Flynn's name is mentioned in Christy Moore's song "Lisdoonvarna".

Liam O'Flynn died in Dublin on 14 March 2018 after a long illness.

The Liam O'Flynn Award is awarded each year by the Arts Council and the National Concert Hall to recognise individual creativity in Traditional Irish music.