Piper Johnny Purcell Wins Age & Opportunity Older Traveller Artist Award

Age & Opportunity has announced piper Johnny Purcell as this year’s recipient
of the Award for an Older Traveller Artist.

The 2026 recipient, Johnny Purcell, has almost 40 years of experience as a
traditional piper. He developed his skills by listening to his cousins play and through
dedicated self-teaching.

His musical journey was greatly enriched by the traditional music community, whose
support, mentorship, and encouragement helped shape him as both a musician and
performer.

“Piping is more than a pastime for me, it is a way of life. It both soothes and
invigorates me, and through music I have built lasting friendships and connections
with fellow musicians across Ireland and around the world. It has also given me
many opportunities to travel and share my craft.”

From 2000 to 2016, Purcell performed annually at the Doran Tionól, a festival
celebrating his family’s piping legacy in Wicklow and later in Spanish Point, Co.
Clare. More recently, he has performed with The Long Grazing Acre, at the Traveller
Pride National Concert, TradFest in Dublin Castle, and as a regular guest at Pipers’
Heaven/Pipers’ Hell in Ennis.

“Piping gives me a tangible connection to my ancestors, our music, stories, and
traditions. I am proud to continue this legacy and pass it on to future generations.”

On receiving the award Johnny Purcell said:
“Thank you for this.  I am grateful.  I’ve never won anything in my life. I plan to use
this award to spend time in my grandfather’s favourite Co. Clare and learn more about
my family’s (piping) legacy.”

The Award, of €1,000,  is run with the support of Pavee Point Traveller & Roma
Centre and is in its second year.

Award Supports Everyday Creativity among Travellers

The award aims to highlight the often-undervalued contribution of contemporary
Traveller culture, particularly within mainstream Irish society and to recognise and
support the everyday creativity of older artists and makers within the Traveller
community.

Dr. Tara Byrne, Arts Programme Manager at Age & Opportunity commented:
“Traveller culture is a central part of Ireland’s cultural heritage, yet it often doesn’t receive the

mainstream recognition it deserves. Through this award, we aim to highlight the
invaluable contributions of older artists and creatives from the Traveller community to
Irish culture and are proud to celebrate the incredibly talented piper Johnny Purcell”.

Martin Collins, Co-Director of Pavee Point, added: “There was great interest in this
Award in our community and there was a broad range of applications. An Award like
this is a great way to acknowledge the creativity that is out there in our community
and we look forward to continuing this work.”

Johnny Performs Pavee Point – 4th November

Johnny Purcell will perform at Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre on 4 th
November, 6pm as part of a pre-event for the 19th European Platform for Roma
Inclusion (5 th November Clontarf Castle)