Eithne Walsh

What is your name / where are you from?
My name is Eithne Walsh and I am from Ballybunion, Co Kerry.  I am based in Ennis for the last 5 years so dare I say there may be a part of Clare in me at this stage?

How did you start playing the harp?
I remember seeing a girl playing the harp on the Toy Show and I was mesmerised!  When I was about 13, the Comhaltas Branch at home wanted to have a harp player and asked if I would take it up.  It was an easy yes from me.  I was lucky that my parents were willing to support me as I had to travel to Co. Clare for lessons.

What does the harp mean to you?

The harp is a unique and exciting world to be a part of.  There is such a significant history and there is also such an exciting contemporary culture happening with the harp too.  The potential is huge.  

It is an incredible instrument to hear and play.  I can literally feel the sounds it makes resonate through me.  When words fail, it is a way to express all kinds of emotions.  And while the magic of it just draws me in, the sheer monumental task of mastering it keeps me interested!

What do you like most about Lá na Cruite | Harp Day?
It is so powerful to see so many harps together.  It is inspiring to see how much development is happening in the harp world and there is so much creativity being channeled through it as an instrument.