Respected Donegal priest and GAA stalwart Fr Seán Ó Gallchóir has been honoured for his contributions to the Irish language and Gaeltacht regions.
Fr Seán Ó Gallchóir received the Gradam RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta at the Doirí Beaga studio yesterday.
The Gradam RTÉ RnaG is presented on an annual basis to individuals or organisations who have contributed immensely to the Irish language and Gaeltacht regions.
Among those who participated in a special edition of the magazine programme Barrscéalta yesterday to honour Fr Seán was GAA President Elect, Jarlath Burns, 1992 All-Ireland winning captain, Anthony Molloy, former All-Star footballer Kevin Cassidy, plus family and friends of Fr Seán.
Fr Seán Ó Gallchóir with family members, Peadar, Noel and Olive Uí Ghallchóir at the presentation at RTÉ RnaG in Doirí Beaga
GAA President Elect Jarlath Burns said Fr Seán Ó Gallachóir was a very worthy recipient of Gradam RTÉ RnaG. He paid tribute to the huge amount of work carried out by Fr Seán for the Association over a long number of years.
RTÉ RnaG Regional Manager Aodh Máirtín Ó Fearraigh, who presented the award yesterday, said: “Fr Seán Ó Gallchóir has worked tirelessly for the community, for the Irish language and for the GAA, and continues to do so. We are delighted to be in a position to acknowledge his achievements and his contribution to the Irish language, his community, and to the GAA.”
RTÉ RnaG staff members with Fr Seán Ó Gallchóir
Gradam RTÉ RnaG 2023 was designed by the renowned sculptor Jarlath Daly.
Fr Seán was ordained in June 1971 and spent almost all of his ministry in Donegal, serving in Falcarragh and Cnoc Fola before being stationed in Gortahork since 1999.
A native of Derrybeg, Fr Seán never moved too far from his homeplace, where he is deeply connected to almost all aspects of the community.
Last year, the Gort a’ Choirce parish priest retired after 51 years in the priesthood.