Rowsome, Leo – Piper and pipe-maker

This plaque honours renowned uileann piper, pipe maker, and teacher Leo Rowsome, and is at the corner of Beltorn Park Road and Collins Avenue, Dublin 9.

Locate this plaque on Google maps.

Born into a piping family in Harold’s Cross, Leo Rowsome went on to become a teacher, pipe-maker, and performer. As a performer he played all over the world, including at New York’s Carnegie Hall.  

Joining the Municipal School of Music, Chatham Row, as a teacher at the age of 17, he went on to teach generations of uilleann pipers, including  Paddy Moloney of the Chieftains, and Liam Óg Ó Floinn. 

A founding member of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Éireann, Leo Rowsome was also one of the founders of Na Píobairí Uilleann

The Rowsome family lived at 9 Belton Park Road, Donnycarney, and Leo Rowsome’s workshop was in the back garden. 

The plaque was unveiled on 4th June 2021.