Liam O'Flynn (1945-2018) was a master uilleann piper and one of Ireland's most cherished traditional musicians. Born in Kildare, Ireland, his devotion to the intricacies and heartfelt expression of Irish folk music made him a central figure in the renaissance of traditional Irish music. Trained by the legendary piper Leo Rowsome and deeply influenced by the rich musical traditions of his homeland, O'Flynn's virtuosic playing was characterized by its emotive power and impeccable technique, which he showcased throughout a career spanning several decades.

O'Flynn was best known for his work with the groundbreaking Irish folk group Planxty, which he co-founded in the early 1970s alongside Christy Moore, Donal Lunny, and Andy Irvine. The group played a pivotal role in modernizing and popularizing Irish traditional music, influencing countless musicians. Beyond Planxty, Liam O'Flynn's collaborative spirit led him to work with a diverse array of artists across genres, including Kate Bush and Mark Knopfler. His solo albums, such as "The Piper's Call" (1999), are widely regarded as masterworks of the uilleann pipes. His later works, including "The Given Note" (1995), "Out To An Other Side" (1993), and the collaboration "The Poet & The Piper" (2003) with Nobel-laureate poet Seamus Heaney, celebrated the intersection of Irish music and poetry, further cementing his legacy as a cultural ambassador not just of Irish music, but of Irish heritage as a whole. His significant contribution to Irish music was recognized with multiple awards, including the prestigious TG4 Gradam Ceoil. His passing in 2018 marked the end of an era, but his music continues to inspire and influence musicians and listeners alike.