Well known Donegal writer, journalist and historian Pádraig Ó Baoighill was honoured at a special reception in the Dungloe Public Service Centre last Friday afternoon in recognition of his outstanding achievements.
Pádraig is best known for the varied & extensive role that he played in the Gael Linn organisation throughout Ireland & also in Scotland. He also contributed to regular articles in Gaelic Magazines, the Irish Press newspaper & numerous Irish language media publications.
Pádraig Ó Baoighill enjoying the speeches from his front row seat in Dungloe Public Services Centre
Michaeline Donnelly, Tánaiste Chonradh na Gaeilge and Seán Ó Murchadha of Conradh na Gaeilge with Pádraig Ó Baoighill
Pádraig was born in Rann na Feirste in 1932 and he attended Scoil Náisiúnta, Rann na Feirste, St Eunans College Letterkenny and University College Dublin.
The reception was hosted by the Glenties Municipal District of Donegal County Council and Cllr Micheal Choilm MacGiolla Easbuig as the event proposer and also as Cathaoirleach of Coiste na Gaeilge said he was delighted to be hosting the event in honour of Pádraig Ó Baoighill’s outstanding contribution as a writer, journalist and historian and in particular to acknowledge his enduring contribution to the Irish language.
Roise Ni Laifeartaigh who was Bean a’ Tí at the event giving a talk on the life and achievements of Pádraig Ó Baoighill
Breandáin ó Dufaigh, Róisín Carr, John Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig, Niall MacEamharcaigh and Pól Ó Searcaigh pictured with Pádraig ó Baoighill
“It is a great pleasure and honour for me coming from the same Gaeltacht community and being a close personal friend of Pádraig’s to be in a position to host this special event along with my colleagues in the Municipal District of Glenties to honour Pádraig’s extraordinary literary & cultural work and in particular his valuable contribution to the promotion and development of the Irish language and his work towards national unification,” Michael said.
Pádraig was inspired to write in his own native dialect by Séamus and Seosamh Mac Grianna, Eoghan Ó Domhnaill, Niall Ó Domhnaill & Tadhg Ó Rabhartaigh. He has written numerous books and is renowned throughout the island of Ireland as a wonderful & distinguished writer” said Cllr Micheal Choilm MacGiolla Easbuig.
Pádraig Ó Baoighill with two of his daughters Brid and Máire and Councillors Michael McClafferty, Noreen McGarvey and Micheál Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig
Pádraig Ó Baoighill giving a speech where he relayed his heartfelt gratitude to all who attended the special Reception and to Donegal County Council for organising and hosting the event
Other speakers at the event included Róise Ní Laifeartaigh (Donegal County Council), Réamonn Ó Ciaráin (Gael Linn), Seán Ó Murchadha (Conradh na Gaeilge) & Michaeline Ní Dhonnaile (Tánaiste Conradh na Gaeilge). Speaking at the reception, Pádraig Ó Baoighill thanked Clr Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig, Donegal County Council and members of the Municipal District of Glenties for hosting the reception in his honour.
Pádraig stressed the importance of the continued preservation, promotion and development of the Irish language and he expressed gratitude to all those who supported and encouraged him throughout his life.
Padraig and his daughter with Rann na Feirste locals, Roisin Carr, Bridanna Ni Bhaoill and Niall Mac Eamharcaigh
Padraig O Baoighill pictured with his two daughters along with former County Councillor, Seamus Mac Ruairi, Donnachadh Eddie Ó Duibheannaigh, Dinny & Gonna Ó Domhnaill and Feda Ó Domhnaill
He referred to his love for the Donegal Gaeltacht and his intention to update a previous publication ‘Ó Ghleann Go Fánaid’ – Gaeltacht Thír Chonaill.
Pádraig Ó Baoighill was presented with a special scroll by the Cathaoirleach of the Glenties MD, Cllr McClafferty to mark the occasion of the reception. Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig also presented Pádraig with a painting of his beloved Rann na Feirste.
