Tom Ryan
Bagpiper

Tom began his piping career at the age of 7 when his father asked him, "Do you want to learn how to play the bagpipes?" His reply was some variation of "no thank you." So here he is some 35+ years later as one of the founding members of the Claddagh Mhor Pipe Band. Tom received great instruction on Long Island, NY where he grew up and credits Don Morrissey, Sr. with setting a strong foundation. He also spent time at the Gaelic College in Nova Scotia and received instruction from Gold Medal winners Finlay MacNeil and Angus J. MacLellan.

He began competing at the age of 12 and eventually got to Grade III. After a several-year hiatus, Tom jumped back into the competition scene in the Grade V band circuit and is now a Grade II soloist.  After many years of playing Grainger and Campbell bagpipes, he switched to MacCallums at the behest of one of his judges.