Age & Opportunity is proud to announce piper Johnny Purcell as this year’s recipient of the Award for an Older Traveller Artist.
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. The Award is run with the support of Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre and is in its second year.
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 of €1,000 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,”
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 Purcell will perform at Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre on 4th November, 5pm as part of a pre-event for the 19th European Platform for Roma Inclusion (5th November Clontarf Castle).
