Man of many talents Noel Ó Gallchóir honoured with council reception - Donegal Daily

Gaoth Dobhair historian, author and playwright Noel Ó Gallchóir has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to the Irish language, culture and community...

Gaoth Dobhair historian, author and playwright Noel Ó Gallchóir has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to the Irish language, culture and community life.

Noel (Noel Johnny Sheáin) was surrounded by family, friends, neighbours and former colleagues as he received special recognition at a Municipal Reception in Ionad Seirbhísí Poiblí an Chlocháin Léith.

Hosted by the Glenties Municipal District in conjunction with Coiste na Gaeilge and Rannóg na Gaeilge, the reception celebrated a lifetime devoted to education, literature, drama, local history and the preservation of the Irish language.

Noel is widely known as a man of many talents, including an appreciation of literature, an appreciation of his local community and a man who contributes to both the Irish language and Gaeltacht communities alike.

A former principal of Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, he also spent many years teaching.

Among Noel’s achievements to date are the following publications: 'Trasna an Ghaoith', a compilation of the writings of his father Johnny Sheáin, 'Aisteoirí Ghaoth Dobhair 1931-1981' and his most recent piece of work 'Tom a' Bhungaló – Tomás Mac Giolla Bhríghde 1923-2013' which was recently published.

He has also penned and performed one-man plays in recent years, based on the lives and stories of Seosamh Mac Grianna, Pádráig Mac Piarais and Séamus Ó Grianna.

Noel, his wife Olive and members of their family at the Municipal Reception held in Ionad Seirbhísí Poiblí an Chlocháin Léith

Clíona Ní Ghallachóir, Rannóg na Gaeilge and a former student of Noel’s was Bean an Tí on the day.

She described Noel as a man with a broad spectrum of achievements, a man who always puts the Irish language and heritage first and who has a deep understanding of his local community.

She recalled her memories of him as Principal of Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair – where she and other students were encouraged to participate in plays, debates and Irish language and cultural events by Noel.

Clíona Ni Ghallachóir makes a presentation to Noel Ó Gallchóir on Friday.

Other speakers at the event included the Cathaoirleach of Na Gleannta MD, Cllr Anthony Molloy, and Cathaoirleach Choiste na Gaeilge, an Clr Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig.

Noel's honour was first proposed by Cathaoirleach Choiste na Gaeilge, an Clr Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig and was also widely supported by the local community.

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Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig congratulated Noel on his achievements and thanked him for the ongoing work in promoting the Irish language and arts.

He said that he was delighted to be able to put this motion forward as Cathaoirleach of Coiste na Gaeilge and thanked members of the public who approached him with the suggestion.

Councillor Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig (Cathaoirleach Choiste na Gaeilge) presenting Noel with a sculpted piece of Cú Chulainn

Cathaoirleach of Na Gleannta MD, Cllr Anthony Molloy presenting Noel with an Official Scroll from Donegal County Council

He also referred to Noel’s character: “You’ll always hear students and former students of Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair talk about Noel, about the time he gave them and the respect he had for them but above all, Noel was there for young people when no one else was and I would like to thank him for that.”

In his speech, Noel reflected on the different aspects of his life attributed to this recognition - his time in Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Drama, Irish Events and Writing. “My heart is in books and in the pen, in local history, literature and the Irish language. I always think of the importance of books.

"My father once wrote “There is a certainty and permanence to the written word that is not found in the spoken word” and I believe that to be very true. I have enjoyed writing books, and I hope, if good health prevails and the means to do so, to publish a few more books in the years ahead.”

He recited a piece of poetry by An Piarsach and read a short extract of Ó Grianna’s well-known novel ‘Caisleáin Óir.’ He said that he had enjoyed everything he has done to promote the Irish language and culture. He expressed his heartfelt thanks to everyone who came to the event and recommended him for the honour. He particularly thanked his wife Olive and his family who are his greatest support and who are often involved in his projects as well.

Noel has left his mark on numerous local and national committees and organisations over the years - such as Aisteoirí Ghaoth Dobhair, Aisteoirí Ghort a’ Choirce and Aisteoirí Óga Ghort a’ Choirce, An Comhlachas Náisiúnta Drámaíochta, Éigse Uladh, An Béal Binn and many more.

Noel’s devotion to his community was clearly evident at Friday event and likewise, it was evident how much that respect is reciprocated by his local community and how important his contributions are to the promotion and preservation of the Irish language and heritage.

Fad Saoil is Sláinte duit, a Noel, Is go mbuanaí Dia thú sna blianta romhat agus tú ag leanstan do Bhealach Féin.

This article is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.