Cathal Ó Searcaigh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cathal Ó Searcaigh
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Ó Searcaigh in 2016
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| Born | 12 July 1956 Gortahork (Gort a' Choirce), County Donegal, Ireland |
| Occupation | Poet |
Cathal Ó Searcaigh (born 12 July 1956) is a well-known modern Irish language poet. His poems have been translated into many languages and are studied by people around the world. According to Theo Dorgan, his global outlook has brought "new ways, new possibilities, into the writing of Irish language poetry today."
Since 1975, Cathal Ó Searcaigh has written poetry, plays, and travel stories. His early poems often focused on his home, the Irish language, and local traditions. Later, his work explored a wider range of topics.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Cathal Ó Searcaigh grew up on a small farm in County Donegal, Ireland. This area is known as the Gaeltacht, where Irish is the main language spoken. His home was at the foot of Mount Errigal (An tEaragal).
He went to school locally at Caiseal na gCorr National School. Later, he attended Gortahork Vocational College. Cathal has written about his childhood in this remote Irish-speaking community in his book Light on Distant Hills.
His father first introduced him to poetry by reading poems by Robert Burns. His English teacher at Gortahork also encouraged him to write. This teacher is mentioned in his memoir.
Life and Career
In the early 1970s, Cathal Ó Searcaigh worked as a barman in London. He then studied European Studies at the NIHE (National Institute for Higher Education) in Limerick from 1973 to 1975. After that, he studied Celtic Studies at Maynooth University from 1977 to 1978.
From 1978 to 1981, he worked in Dublin for RTÉ television. He presented a show called Aisling Gheal, which was about arts and music. Since the early 1980s, he has been a full-time writer and poet.
In 1995, he became a member of Aosdána, a group that honors Irish artists. His work has been translated into many languages, including French, German, Japanese, and Nepali. His poems are also part of the Irish language curriculum for the Leaving Certificate exam and are studied at universities.
Literary Contributions
Cathal Ó Searcaigh has given his personal archives, a large collection of books, and valuable art to the Irish State. The Donegal Library Service now manages this important donation. His house in Mín a' Leá, near Mount Errigal, often hosts literary and music events.
He also helps edit Irish Pages, a literary magazine, with poet Chris Agee. Cathal believes his creativity comes from his strong connection to his home and its people. He sees his poems as celebrations of his place, language, and traditions.
He says, "My work has become known because of its connection with this place." He collects local oral traditions and records memories and myths. He also works to protect the Gaelic language.
The writer Colm Tóibín noted in the Times Literary Supplement that a part of the Donegal landscape has been "utterly transformed by the poetry of Cathal Ó Searcaigh."
Awards and Recognitions
Cathal Ó Searcaigh has received many awards for his writing:
- 1996: He was chosen as a member of Aosdána.
- 2000: He received an honorary doctorate in Celtic Studies from the National University of Ireland.
- 2000: He won the Irish Times Literature Prize for his poetry collection Ag Tnúth Leis an tSolas.
- 2007: He received The Ireland Fund Literary Award for his important contribution to Irish literature.
- 2013: He has won many Oireachtas literary awards. He won the main prize for poetry with Aimsir Ársa in 2013 and again with An Bhé Ghlas in 2015.
Selected Works
Cathal Ó Searcaigh has published many books of poetry, prose, and plays. Here are some of his notable works:
Poetry Collections
- 1975: Miontraigéide Chathrach agus Dánta Eile
- 1991: An Bealach 'na Bhaile
- 2000: Ag Tnúth leis an tSolas, 1975-2000
- 2013: Aimsir Ársa
- 2015: An Bhé Ghlas
- 2022: An Tír Rúin
Bilingual Editions
Many of his poems have been published in books that include both Irish and English versions.
- 1993: Homecoming / An Bealach 'na Bhaile
- 1997: Out in the Open
- 2006: By the Hearth in Mín a' Leá (with translations by Seamus Heaney)
- 2018: Crann na Teanga, a large book of selected poems with English translations.
- 2023: Errigal: Sacred Mountain, a collection of poetry and prose about Mount Errigal.
Prose Works
- 2004: Seal i Neipeal (travel writing)
- 2011: Pianó Mhín na bPreachán (a short novel)
- 2018: Teach an Gheafta (novel)
- 2023: Saighdiúir (novel), which is the first Irish language novel about an Irish person's involvement in World War I.
Plays
- 2005: Oíche Dhrochghealaí (a verse drama)
- 2006: Mairimid Leis na Mistéirí (three short plays)
Writing in English
- 2009: Light on Distant Hills, a Memoir
- 2014: Soul Space: a book of spiritual wisdom (written under the name Charles Agnes)
Collaborations
Cathal Ó Searcaigh has worked with many artists and musicians.
- Music: He has collaborated with composers like Neil Martin and Derek Ball. His words have been set to music and performed by groups such as the West Ocean String Quartet and Clannad. He has also worked with Altan and Brian Kennedy.
- Art: He has created special limited-edition books with artists like Maria Simonds Gooding and Janet Mullarney, combining his poems with their artwork.
