Mr. Walsh was congratulated by the Taoiseach in government buildings recently after he won the world championships on the uilleann pipes and Traditional Irish Musician of the Year. Mr Walsh said that the Irish cultural side of the Taoiseach rarely gets a mention.
The next two weeks of Seachtaine na Gaeilge (Irish Week) is a very important week in the life of the Ireland's native language and culture, and Mr Walsh feels it is important that the cultural side of the Taoiseach is brought to the forefront despite the current recession.
"The Taoiseach", Mr Walsh said, "is deeply rooted in every aspect of Irish culture. He is a fluent Gaelic speaker and he is also well known for his rendition of Irish ballads.
"The Taoiseach also plays the button accordion and played on the streets of Tullamore (Mr. Cowens’ home town) during his home-coming victory celebrations as Taoiseach."
Mr Cowen has a keen interest in the uilleann pipes—Ireland's National instrument and even played the intricate instrument during Mr Walsh's visit to Government buildings.
Mr Walsh said that the Taoiseach is one of the very few politicans in Leinster House (Irish Government Buildings) who actively promotes the Irish language, music and culture during his travels at home and abroad.
