Master Bodhran Maker
Charlie Byrne

Master Bodhran Maker - Charlie Byrne   1922-2007

Today, while reading a post on Facebook about traditional Bodhrans, the name Charlie Byrne came up, and alongside the sound of his name, so many warm memories came flooding back. Memories of the times spent buying a Charlie Byrne Bodhran and even selling Bodhrans on the street for Charlie, at the Fleadh Ceol in Clonmel. But mainly the hospitality at his home on Mitchell Street in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, with endless cups of tea and a wide variety of home baking from his wife Peggy.  The entire buying experience was topped off with a music session in the kitchen with Charlie on the box and his family joining in. Charlie absolutely delighted in seeing and hearing his handmade, unique bodhrans being played. A Charlie Byrne bodhran, is regarded as the best in the world, and that has only been solidified in the intervening years. Most bodhran makers nowadays, use commercially and chemically cured skins (many are not even goatskins), whereas Charlie Byrne skinned the animal, and traditionally cured the skin organically. This labour intensive method ensured Charlie had complete control over the individual sound of each bodhran drum.  Charlie had an infectious personality, fused by an abundance of enthusiasm for his craft and the music. Charlie & Peggy were both a gentle and kind couple who welcomed every guest to their home with a glow of warmth, generosity and hospitality that left a lasting memory with every visitor. I created the portrait of Charlie on a visit from NYC in 1996, and the wonderful welcome was repeated once more and after the portrait was done – we were back to the normal tea with a big spread of Peggy’s homemade delights, and a session of music to wind up a memorable experience.

       At the great age of 85, Charlie left this world of music, and the magic that he and his wife created. Charlie Byrne left an indelible mark on traditional music at home and around the world by creating the gold standard of ‘bodhran making’ for evermore. Portraits of many world-class Irish musicians and Charlie, are available to purchase as unique Irish wall art at:    

   https://irishphotoart.com/Dancing-Fingers---Irish-Traditional-Music