Séamus Ó Duilearga facts for kids

Séamus Ó Duilearga (born James Hamilton Delargy; 26 May 1899 – 25 June 1980) was a very important Irish expert on folklore. He was a professor at University College Dublin and led the Irish Folklore Commission. He helped collect and save many traditional Irish stories and customs.

Early Life and Education

Séamus Ó Duilearga was born in Cushendall, County Antrim, in 1899. His birth name was James Hamilton Delargy. He had one brother. After his father passed away, his family moved first to Glenariff in County Antrim. Later, they moved to County Wicklow.

He studied at University College Dublin (UCD). He earned a degree in Celtic Studies. This field focuses on the history, languages, and cultures of Celtic peoples.

Starting the Folklore Society

In 1926, Séamus Ó Duilearga started the Folklore of Ireland Society. The next year, he helped create its magazine, called 'Béaloideas'. He worked as the editor of this magazine for many years, right up until he retired.

The Irish Folklore Commission

The Folklore of Ireland Society grew bigger over time. In 1930, it became the Irish Folklore Institute. It even received money from the government.

Then, in 1935, the Irish Folklore Commission was set up. This important group was based at University College Dublin. The Irish government created it to collect and protect Irish traditions. Ó Duilearga was chosen to be its director. Another expert, Seán Ó Súilleabháin, became the archivist. An archivist is someone who organizes and keeps important records.

Collecting Irish Traditions

The main goal of the Irish Folklore Commission was to gather and save all parts of Irish folk traditions. This included stories, songs, customs, and beliefs. They wanted to do this in a very organized way.

One of their biggest projects was the Schools’ Collection Scheme in 1937. This was a huge effort across the country. School children helped collect old stories and traditions from their families and communities. They wrote down about half a million pages of folklore. These valuable writings are now kept at University College Dublin.

Professor of Folklore

Séamus Ó Duilearga became a lecturer in Irish at UCD in 1923. That same year, he met a Swedish folklore expert, Carl Wilhelm von Sydow. Ó Duilearga then took time off from UCD to study folklore in Sweden.

He became a lecturer in folklore at UCD in 1934. Later, in 1946, he became a full Professor of Folklore. He continued to lead the Folklore Commission at the same time.

He also helped with Oidhche Sheanchais (1935). This was the first Irish language film with sound.

Working with the National Museum

In the early 1960s, Ó Duilearga worked with Anthony T. Lucas. Lucas was the director of the National Museum of Ireland. They created a special survey about how people used hay, rushes, and straw. They sent this survey to many people. Based on the answers, the museum started collecting many objects made from these materials.

Later Life and Legacy

Séamus Ó Duilearga left his teaching job at UCD in 1969. He retired from the Folklore Commission in 1971. He passed away in Dublin in 1980.

He was married to Maud McGuigan. They had one son and one daughter. His work helped save countless Irish stories and traditions for future generations.

Selected Publications

• Irish folk tales, (edited with introduction and notes) 1942
• The Gaelic Storyteller, 1945
• Leabhar Sheáin Í Chonaill, 1948
• Seanchas ón Oileán Tiar, (folk history recorded by Robin Flower from Tomás Ó Criomhthain) 1956