Micheál honoured for Gaelic contribution
DINGLE’S Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh has described himself as honoured to be only the second Kerry winner of the “Lóchrann” award, an Údarás na Gaeltachta prize acknowledging contribution to the Gaeltacht regions and their sport, language, and culture.
The legendary Dún Síon native picked up the award at the Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta competition in Tuar Mhic Éidigh (Toormakeedy), County Mayo, becoming the first Kerry winner since Tony Barrett took the inaugural prize. “It’s a lovely honour to get,” he told The Kerryman. “The name, Lóchrann, is something that appeals to me. It means ‘guiding light,’ and with that in mind, I could think of a good list of people in the Gaeltachts that I feel deserved it more than I did. It’s a privilege to follow in the footsteps of the great north Kerry-man Tony Barrett, the inaugural winner.
“It’s lovely to receive this award at the Comórtas Peile, an event I love, particularly with a Kerry team, An Ghaeltacht, winning this year. I wasn’t able to go every year because of my work with RTÉ, but I went whenever I could, and I admire its ability to bring people from all over the country together to enjoy their shared heritage.”
Údarás na Gaeltachta Chief Executive Steve Ó Cúláin praised the West Kerry man as a champion of Gaelic culture and a worthy recipient of the prestigious Pádraic Reaney-designed trophy.
“This special recognition is being presented to Ó Muircheartaigh due to his endless support for a way of life he was born into on the picturesque Corca Dhuibhne peninsula in Kerry,” Mr Ó Cúláin said.
“It is a matter of great joy and pride for us to sponsor this award and to present it to one of the true Gaeltacht and National heroes, our dear friend, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh.
“We are delighted that he has been chosen as the recipient.”