A new book ‘Ceann Fhaoladh’ by the author Brian Ó Baoill (91) has just been published and will be launched online next Saturday.
Impressively, this is his 34th publication and, over the years, Oireachtas na Gaeilge has awarded him 42 literary prizes.
The book is a historical novel based on the life of Ceann Fhaoladh and his remarkable achievements. Ceann Fhaoladh was a soldier and scholar who lived in Donegal in the seventh century. He was well known as a professor and king in Baile an Easa, between Gort a’Choirce and An Fál Carrach.
He began Irish language literature when he wrote the first ever book in the language. He was instrumental in changing the language of study in Ireland from Latin to Irish. He was also a warrior, who fought bravely in the Battle of Moira and other bloody conflicts of the time.
This novel is based on Ceann Fhaoladh’s own writings, accounts of him in manuscripts and books, and stories about him in the area.
The book launch which will be in the format of a webinar will take place from 7pm and 7:30 pm on Saturday 1 May.
People can register for free on Eventbrite or watch the event live on the following facebook pages: Foras na Gaeilge, Glór na nGael, Molscéal, Conradh na Gaeilge and Oireachtas na Gaeilge. The book is published by Coiscéim
The launch will be chaired by Anna Ní Bhroin, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge
The impressive panel of speakers will include: Dr. Brian Lacey, archaeologist and historian, Siobhra Aiken, lecturer and researcher at NUI Galway, Deborah Ní Ghibne, writer/artist and Conor Ó Gallachóir, university student and singer.
Brian Ó Baoill. Pic: Seán Ó Mainnín
About Brian
In 2011, Brian was also awarded the Oireachtas Literary Award and in 2017 he received the Conradh na Gaeilge Award. He was awarded literary prizes by the Royal Scottish Mod and the Oireachtas na Gaeilge of Canada. In the early seventies while working with Gael Linn, Brian started ‘Eachtra’ adventure courses for young people which was based in the Ceard Scoil (Technical School) in Gort a’Choirce/Gortahork and he also founded ‘Slógadh’ where the likes of Clannad, Altan and Cathal Ó Searcaigh took part in music and poetry competitions.
In 1973, he accepted a job with Gaeltarra Éireann (Now Údarás na Gaeltachta) and he moved with his wife Beti and their three children from Dublin to settle in Gort a’Choirce.
There, he and Beti founded a branch of the Gasóga na hÉireann (Scouts).
In 1974 Beti and Brian produced a play written by Brian called ‘Cloch Cheann Fhaolaigh Abú’ starring a very young Lillis Ó Laoire and members of the McClafferty family from Gort a’Choirce.
That same year, Brian’s work forced himself and his family to move to Conamara where Gaeltarra Éireann’s head office was situated. His parents Tomás & Odilla Ó Baoill are buried in the new cemetery in Gort a’Choirce.
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