Ó Cairealláin’s death was announced yesterday.
Yesterday, tributes poured in for pioneer of the Irish language movement in Belfast, Gearóid Ó Cairealláin, following his death at age 67 after a short illness.
A journalist and former President of Conradh na Gaeilge, an organisation that promotes the use of Irish as the standard language in Ireland, Mr. Ó Cairealláin was also the father of Móglái Bap – a member of Belfast-based Irish-language hip-hop trio Kneecap.
The issued a statement on Mr Ó Cairealláin’s passing that reads:
“Gearóid Ó Cairealláin, father of Móglái Bap passed away last night.
“He was an Irish language revolutionary, community activist, loving father, husband and an inspiration to many.
“We are heartbroken.
“Tonight’s concert at the SSE Arena [in Belfast] will be the largest Irish language gig in the city’s history.
“Nothing would have made him prouder.
“Tonight is for him.”
Kneecap went ahead with their gig at the SSE Arena in Belfast last night and paid a poignant tribute to Ó Cairealláin.
An image of Ó Cairealláin was shown behind the stage as Fairytale of New York played over the speakers with Móglái Bap himself humming along to the song’s final chords.
Many people commented that they were moved to tears by the beautiful tribute.
Gearóid Ó Cairealláin, father of Móglái Bap passed away last night.
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) December 21, 2024
He was an Irish language revolutionary, community activist, loving father, husband and an inspiration to many.
We are heartbroken. 💔
Tonight's concert at the SSE arena will be the largest Irish language… pic.twitter.com/AAm5rkoI6i
In the 90’s, Ó Cairealláin served as president of Conradh na Gaeilge, with the organisation stating that he will be “remembered as one of the great leaders and pioneers in the Irish language movement in Belfast”.
Mr. Ó Cairealláin also founded breakthrough Irish language projects such as the weekly publication Preas an Phobail, which evolved into the first daily Irish language newspaper Lá in 1984.
He was a founding member and lifelong advocate for Aisling Ghéar, Raidió Fáilte, Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich and Meánscoil Feirste, the latter being the Irish language secondary school in west Belfast’s Gaeltacht Quarter.
Paying tribute to him, the current president of Conradh na Gaeilge, Paula Melvin, said:
“On behalf of Conradh na Gaeilge, our Coiste Gnó, our members, branches and staff, I wish to send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Gearóid, to Bríd, Ainle, Cairbre, and Naoise, and to the Irish language community in Belfast, of which Gearóid was such a loved and cherished figure.
“There can be no denying the incredible influence and impact Gearóid had on the Irish language movement, not only in Belfast, but throughout the country.
“He leaves behind him an undeniable legacy that will be an immense source of inspiration for us all throughout the future.
“Go raibh míle maith agat, a Ghearóid agus suaimhneas síoraí ort.”
Mr. Ó Cairealláin was also known for his one-man show The Wheelchair Monologues, which saw him look back over the ups and downs of his life since suffering a stroke at the age of 48.
His passing occurred on the same week his son’s film Kneecap was shortlisted in two categories at next year’s Oscars.
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