Peadar Toner Mac Fhionnlaoich facts for kids

Peadar Toner Mac Fhionnlaoich (born October 5, 1856 – died July 1, 1942) was a famous Irish language writer. He was also known by his pen name, Cú Uladh, which means The Hound of Ulster. He lived during a time called the Gaelic revival, when many people wanted to bring back the Irish language and culture.

Peadar wrote many stories based on old Irish folklore. He also wrote some of the very first plays in the Irish language. You could often find his articles in Irish language newspapers, like An Claidheamh Soluis.

Early Life and Education

Peadar Toner Mac Fhionnlaoich was born as Peter Toner McGinley in a place called Allt an Iarainn in County Donegal, Ireland. His parents were Micheal McGinley and Susan Toner.

He went to school in his local area until he was seventeen years old. After that, he studied for two years at Blackrock College in Dublin. When he finished school, he started working for the British government as an Inland Revenue officer. This job involved collecting taxes.

In 1895, he married Elizabeth Woods. They had a large family with twelve children.

Love for the Irish Language

Peadar spoke Irish from a very young age. He always kept a strong interest in the language throughout his life. He first published an Irish language short story and a poem in The Donegal Christmas Annual in 1883.

However, it wasn't until 1895, when he was living in Belfast, that he became deeply involved in the Gaelic Movement. This movement aimed to bring back and promote the Irish language and culture.

Leading the Gaelic League

The first meeting of the Ulster branch of Conradh na Gaeilge (which means the Gaelic League) took place in Peadar Mac Fhionnlaoich's own house in 1895.

From that moment on, he became very active in Conradh na Gaeilge. This organization worked to keep the Irish language alive and strong. Peadar even became the president of the organization several times.

Serving in the Irish Government

Peadar Mac Fhionnlaoich also played a role in Irish politics. He was a member of Seanad Éireann, which is like the Senate or upper house of the Irish parliament.

He served as a Senator from 1938 until his death in 1942. He was chosen for this role by the Taoiseach, who is the leader of the Irish government at the time, Éamon de Valera.

Main Books and Plays

Peadar Toner Mac Fhionnlaoich wrote many important works. Here are some of them:

• The Donegal Christmas Annual 1883 (editor) – This book included short stories and poems in both English and Irish by writers from Donegal.
• Miondrámanna (1902) – This book contained three short plays.
• Handbook of Irish Teaching (1902) – A guide for teaching the Irish language.
• An Pléidseam (1903)
• Tá na Francaighe ar an Mhuir (1905) – This was a play.
• An Léightheoir Gaedhealach (1907) – An Irish language reader, probably for students.
• Eachtra Aodh Ruaidh Uí Dhomhnaill (1911) – A story based on Irish folklore.
• Conchubhar Mac Neasa (1914) – Another work based on Irish folklore.
• Ciall na Sean-Ráidhte (1914) – This book was later republished as Ciall na Seanráite in 1992.
• An Cogadh Dearg agus Scéalta Eile (1918) – A collection of short stories.
• Scríobhnóirí Móra Chúige Uladh 1530–1750 (1925) – This book was about important authors from Ulster, a province in Ireland.
• Bliain na hAiséirí (1992) – This book was about the 1916 Easter Rising, a major event in Irish history.