Dublin Port People | Leo Rickard - The Port Piper

"The sound of the pipes is the voice of Ireland, for me - it's Ireland"
November 2019 marked the retirement of Leo Rickard, known as the Port Piper, after 44 years growing up and working in Dublin Port. At 15 years of age Leo began his apprenticeship as a Shipwright under the old Dublin Port & Docks Board on a dark November morning in 1974 and spent his last years as Technical Supervisor / Marine & Civil in DPC's Maintenance & Services Department.
Watch, as Leo brings us back to days gone by, his love for working on the docks, the people he met along the way and the sound of the Port he encapsulated in the music of his beloved uilleann pipes.
Dublin Port Company would like to wish Leo and his fellow retired colleagues the very best of luck for a happy and healthy future ahead.

[@gercrombie]

Good man Leo

[@paulgribbon2837]

Very nice video. I was lucky to have Leo as a teacher in Miltown Malbay when I was just starting out on the pipes. Glad to see he's doing well - and sounding great!

[@Goetterdaemmerung86]

I believe Leo is playing his C sharp Rogge set of pipes here

[@j.b.6731]

3:14 you said it, Leo. That's the truth. All the best and happy piping!

[@thomasjohnson7871]

Great to see and hear this Leo! I hope you're enjoying retirement too - all the best

[@eowenspa2]

Just lovely

[@marythompson4631]

Just amazing thank you for sharing it

[@liamwinnettmusic3867]

Lovely playing , what are the tunes ?

[@dublinportco]

Thank you Liam, Leo picked and played the music live for the video. We are glad you enjoyed it!

[@joshlicht1359]

Hi Leo, great story and congratulations on your retirement! I like your piping, what was the name of the last tune played near the end?Cheers Josh from Australia!