Left: Al, age 4 in Dublin on the big pipes. Al's father, Leo Purcell, was head instructor of the big pipes in Dublin.

Leo Rowesome was instructor for the uilleann pipes and Al was an early student.

Right: Al at about age 9 on the uilleann pipes.

At my apartment in Windsor, circa 1979. Al put up with the beer bashes and general carry-on and was always a blast to be with at a Ceilidh.

Al could tell great stories.

Arguably at his very best when teaching and lecturing. Here with young Brendan O'Leary 1999. Perhaps another All-Ireland piper someday?

This was taken just last week, on September 21st, at the club. Al was in great form and listening with great intensity to the students efforts. Al took his music very seriously and this was very much appreciated by his students. I have never met someone who had a more scholarly approach to piping. Al understood traditional music as few do.

Jim Price, who was my first Highland piping teacher and a great friend of Al, sits on the bench listening in the background.

Anne and Al in Florida, 2000

"Some photos from Al's trip to Los Angeles earlier this year. They were taken at my office in Santa Monica". Patrick Darcy listens .- Photos kindly sent by Larry Dunn, Los Angeles.

Left:
A very proud grandpa
with grandson, Brien.

Right:
Conor McKinney gets
early indoctrination.

Al used to refer
to piping as , "the affliction".

I never wondered why.

"Al doing what he so loved doing so much. Being in the company of pipers, encouraging them to be better and to have fun while doing it."
- Michael Dow

at the North Hero Pipers Gathering, Vermont

A crowning moment. Tyler Duncan who studied under Al, won the 1999 All-Ireland Piping Championship in the 13-15 year old age group. Al took immense satisfaction in Tyler's success. The tropy was the "Leo Rowesome" Piping Trophy. Leo Rowesome was Al's teacher. Coincidence?

Fortunately, Al was with us long enough to see Tyler repeat his success and win the All-Ireland a second time at the end of August, 2000.

The Purcell household was always open to folks in need of assistance or instruction. Al never charged for lessons. He really believed he had a duty to carry on the tradition.

People at every level of the talent spectrum came to Al for help for lessons, repairs, reeds, advice or history. Al was a learned man and knew Irish, American and world history in great detail.

Some of his most engaging lessons didn't required a note be sounded.

From 1999, Al with Martin Hayes and at right with Paddy Keenan.
- Photos from Mike Mullins, St. Louis, MO

Here are 3 great photos of Al from Síobhan McKinney's First Communion party, May 9, 2000.

It was a great session in the sunroom and Al was in top piping form.

Closeup of da master.