Donegal radio and television presenter Rónán Mac Aodha Bhuí has been honoured with the ‘Gradam Ghlór na nGael’ in recognition of his contribution to Irish language media.
The award was announced at the National Glór na nGael Awards Ceremony in Armagh City Hotel on Saturday 15 April.
Rónán, who was brought up in Gaoth Dobhair, has been undergoing treatment for cancer for the past four years.
For the past three decades, he has made a remarkable contribution to the Irish language through his work with RTÉ, TG4, Raidió na Gaeltachta and developing a social and entertainment scene for the Irish language with events such as An Ciorcal Craiceáilte (1990’s) and An Cabaret Craiceáilte.
Speaking to the attendees via video link from Colorado USA, Rónán thanked Glór na nGael for the award and recognition and congratulated all the community groups and 3rd level associations that won awards for their work promoting the Irish language.
Four Donegal Community Groups also collected prizes at Glór na nGael National Awards.
Coiste Forbatha Dhobhair Teo from Co. Donegal, took this year’s top award along with a cheque for €15,000. A prize fund totaling €80,000 was awarded to Irish Language community groups and 3rd level societies in recognition of their achievements in the promotion and development of the Irish language.
Togra Fiontar & Cultúr Uladh Ctr, Líonra Leitir Ceanainn and Comharchumann Forbartha Ghaoth Dobhair also received awards worth €15,000.
Coiste Forbatha Dhobhair Teo (Ionad Naomh Pádraig) received the 1st place for the work it has done in the Environmental, Heritage, Spirituality and the 2nd place in both the Family and Gaeltacht category.
Togra Fiontar & Cultúr Uladh Ctr, Machaire Rabhartaigh received the award for the work it has done in the Health category.
Líonra Leitir Ceanainn received the award for the work it has done in the Government and Business category.
Comharchumann Forbartha Ghaoth Dobhair (An Chrannóg), Gaoth Dobhair, received the special Donegal County Council recognition award.
Other big winners on the night were Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin from Derry, An Droichead from Belfast.