Although my father played trumpet at school, and mother was a four-tune pianist, they spawned six musical children, seventeen grandchildren, and currently three great-grandchildren. Now in their mid-eighties, it is their great delight to order music to be made at family parties. Well over half of the family plays something, and when we all hit it, the craic is furious.

My father's claim to infamy was shooting an accordeon left by an open window with his air rifle, and reckoning that the inevitable thrashing was worth it. I keep mine out of his way!

Skipjack