Breandán Ó Buachalla facts for kids

Breandán Ó Buachalla (born 1936 – died 20 May 2010) was a very important Irish scholar. He studied the Irish language and old Irish writings. Many people said he was the best expert on old Gaelic poetry and writing from early modern Ireland. He was also known as one of the most famous Irish language teachers of his time.

Who Was Breandán Ó Buachalla?

Breandán Ó Buachalla was a brilliant scholar who dedicated his life to the Irish language. He was born in Cork City in 1936. He became a leading expert on old Irish texts and poems. His most famous book, Aisling Ghéar, looked closely at Irish literature and politics from the 1600s.

Early Life and Education

Breandán went to school at Saint Nessan's Christian Brothers School in Cork. After that, he studied at University College Cork. There, he earned a degree in Celtic studies. This field of study focuses on the languages and cultures of the Celtic peoples, like the Irish.

A Career in Learning

Breandán Ó Buachalla taught at several universities. He worked at Queen's University Belfast for a time. Later, he was a Professor of Irish at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies for five years. From 1978 to 1996, he was a professor at University College Dublin.

He also taught in the United States. He was a visiting professor at University of Notre Dame, New York University, and Boston College. He even achieved the Parnell Fellowship at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. At the time he passed away, he was a professor at the University of Notre Dame. This was special because it was the only place outside Ireland with a full department for modern Irish language studies.

His Important Books

Breandán Ó Buachalla wrote many important books and studies. His most famous work was Aisling Ghéar. This book explored Irish literature and politics from the 17th century.

Some of his other well-known works include:

• I mBéal Feirste Cois Cuain
• Peadar Ó Doirnín: amhráin, Nua-Dhuanaire II
• Cathal Buí: amhráin
• Na Stíobhartaigh agus an tAos Léinn: King Seamas

Family and Legacy

Breandán Ó Buachalla was married to Aingeal. They had three children: two daughters named Bridóg and Clíona, and a son named Traolach. Aingeal lived longer than him.

Breandán passed away on 20 May 2010, at the age of 74. He died at his home in Dublin after a sudden illness. After his death, a government minister, Mary Hanafin, spoke about his importance. She said he was "a giant among his peers." She also said that his passing was a great loss for the Irish language and for learning in general.