Death of former Conradh na Gaeilge president, Pádraig Ó Snódaigh
The death occurred on Thursday 2nd January of former president of Conradh na Gaeilge, Pádraig Ó Snódaigh. Pádraig was president of Conradh from 1974 until 1979.
Born in Carlow, Pádraig dedicated his life to the promotion and preservation of the Irish language, leaving an indelible mark on Ireland's cultural landscape.
In 1980, Pádraig founded Coiscéim, a pioneering publishing company that produced books across diverse genres, significantly enriching Irish literature. His visionary efforts also led to the establishment of ‘An Siopa Leabhar’, Conradh na Gaeilge's dedicated bookshop, further supporting the dissemination of Irish-language works.
His lifelong dedication to Irish culture and the language will continue to inspire future generations and remain a beacon for those committed to preserving our heritage.
Current President of Conradh na Gaeilge, Paula Melvin, has said: "On behalf of Conradh na Gaeilge, the Coiste Gnó, our branches, staff, and all our members, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Pádraig's sons Fergus, Aengus, Colm, Cormac, Rónán, and Rossa, his extended family, friends, and the entire Irish language community. The enormous impact Pádraig Ó Snódaigh, a past president of Conradh, had on the Irish language movement — through his leadership, pioneering publishing efforts, and unwavering passion for our culture — is something we will all cherish. His profound legacy will inspire generations to come. Go raibh maith agat, Pádraig, for your life's work, and may you rest in peace."
President Michael D Higgins paid tribute, saying: "It is with deep sadness that I, and I’m sure all of those involved with the Irish language are, in learning of the passing of Pádraig Ó Snodaigh.
"A man of immense dedication and a major figure of the Irish language movement, Pádraig Ó Snodaigh’s life was marked by such a strong and lifelong commitment to the promotion and preservation of our native language, for its use, its literature, and above all its place in the daily life of our people.
"His numerous contributions and his longstanding work inspired countless others to cherish and embrace the language that is central to our shared cultural heritage."
President Higgins recalled that Pádraig served as president of Conradh na Gaeilge in the 1970s, where he set up the Conradh’s bookshop.
"From 1970 to 1973, he was co-editor, with Mícheál Ó Bréartún, of Pobal, the Irish language current affairs magazine. Later that decade he became editor of Carn, the official magazine of the Celtic League, before founding, in 1980, the publishing company Coiscéim, which has since published nearly 2,000 books in Irish.
"I was privileged to call both Pádraig and his late wife, the artist Cliodhna Cussen, friends of mine. I recall their strong support for the right to have TG4 for the language, people, and the Gaeltacht.
"A steadfast advocate for the richness and resilience of Irish as a living language, Pádraig’s passing is a great loss for all those who work to promote the use of the Irish language, but his contributions to Irish society will undoubtedly leave an enduring legacy for generations to come.
"Sabina and I send our deepest sympathies to Pádraig’s family, including his sons Aengus, Rossa, Rónán, Colm, Cormac and Fergus. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis," tne President concluded.