Barra McGrory QC

His appointment follows a change in the NPU’s constitution to provide for membership at board level of “persons who bring unique sets of skills to the organisation”.

Mr McGrory returned to private practice in 2017 following the end of his term as Northern Ireland’s DPP and now regularly practises in jurisdictions across these islands.

He has previously served on arts bodies in Northern Ireland and has a strong commitment to fostering community and traditional arts. He comes from a family of noted traditional musicians and is himself a skilled musician.

Dr Caoimhín Mac Aoidh, chair of Na Píobairí Uilleann, said: “The board of Na Píobairí Uilleann is most fortunate to avail of the considerable expertise of such a skilled and dedicated person as Barra McGrory. We greatly look forward to his contributions and working with him on many exciting projects.

“Na Píobairí Uilleann has achieved astonishing results in its work promoting, developing and passing on the unique tradition of uilleann piping in its more than fifty years of existence.

“While extraordinary and challenging milestones have been realised and surpassed, it is critical that the board of Na Píobairí Uilleann continues into the future ensuring the highest standards of governance making certain those seeking to play the music, those who enjoy its performance and the wider public who are disposed to this uniquely Irish instrument continue to appreciate exceptional service.”