Malachy has made many kinds of drums, including a double sided one for a French
percussion school, and more recently he made the drums for the hugely successful
show Riverdance - a feast of Irish dancing and music. His experience is renowned
in many circles.
His wife Anne decorates the drums with many different designs inspired by the
Book of Kells and other Celtic sources. She also does specially commissioned
work and is an expert on heraldry - she will adorn your drum with your own
family crest. Each design is meticulously painted in many different colours,
including the occasional metallic.
Malachy says: "Making bodhrns is very close to nature and when played is very
freeing for the soul...the whole involvement has a spiritual experience to it."
Indeed, that haunting, primitive beat has an effect on everyone who hears it
played with skill.
Thank you, Malachy and Anne, for the information which is the backbone for this
article. Long may your craft prosper!