13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Kerry library holds launch of Irish language book showcasing best work of late Ballinskelligs writer
Glór ón Sceilg is a book which contains a selection of work extracted from the eight original Irish language books released by the late Michael Kirby, or Mícheál Ua Ciarmhic.
Though the author took up writing very late in life, he managed to release several highly regarded books in Irish and English before he died in 2005.
Victory Bayda, Irish language planning officer for Uibh Ráthach Gaeltacht, was 'fear an tí' at the event, where he spoke of how important the new book is for preserving the richness of the language in the Ballinskelligs Gaeltacht.
Anne Coffey, the daughter of Michael Kirby, welcomed guests and thanked the many people who contributed to the book, including editors Máirín Nic Eoin and Mary Shine Thompson and those at publisher Cork University Press.
Glór ón Sceilg was launched by local man and community activist Micheál Ó Leidhin, who outlined the life lived by Michael Kirby in great detail to those in attendance.
Topics discussed by Mr Ó Leidhin included Michael Kirby's involvement in the Ballinskelligs community and founding of a local development group, his role in the local drama society and above all, his commitment to preserving the culture and language of the place.
Séaghan Ó Suilleabháin, language planning officer for Cahersiveen, was the final speaker at the book launch. He outlined the richness of Kirby's language and the treasure this book will be for future generations of Irish students.
As well as being a renowned author, Michael Kirby was also an accomplished painter, a pursuit which he took up prior to his writing career. Those who attended the book launch in Cahersiveen had the opportunity to view over 80 images of his paintings, which were played on a slide loop at the event.
