Irish President and Kneecap Concert Honor Language ‘Pioneer’

Irish President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to a Belfast Irish language campaigner, a day after a concert by the rap group Kneecap was dedicated to him. Gearóid Ó Cairealláin, who passed away on Friday, was described as a pioneer of the city’s Irish language movement. His son, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, a member of Kneecap who performs in Irish under the name Móglaí Bap, honored his late father at the group’s sold-out performance at Belfast’s SSE Arena on Saturday. On Sunday, President Higgins stated that Mr. Ó Cairealláin, a former president of the Irish language organization Conradh na Gaeilge, was a “major figure in the Irish language movement.” Higgins further commented, “Gearóid Ó Cairealláin’s death is a great loss for all those who work for the use of the Irish language: its rights, its literature, and its place in the daily life of people.” He added, “He served as president of Conradh na Gaeilge, but his contribution was much wider than that.” Máire Nic Fhionnachtaigh, a long-time friend and fellow Irish language activist, characterized Mr. Ó Cairealláin as a “strategic thinker who didn’t shy away from hard work.” She informed BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster that “He was a visionary, revolutionary and fearless advocate for the promotion of the Irish languages.” Ms. Nic Fhionnachtaigh noted that Mr. Ó Cairealláin’s legacy endures through the initiatives he undertook, including his son Naoise’s band, Kneecap. She stated, “He supported everything that promoted the Irish language.” Claire Hanna, the SDLP Leader and MP for South Belfast, expressed her condolences, saying: “My deepest sympathy to Bríd and the entire family on the news of the death of Gearoid, who had been living in my constituency (Finaghy) for many years.” Hanna described Ó Cairealláin as clever, energetic, and creative. She further remarked: “He promoted a vast number of projects to achieve his vision. His death is a loss to the Irish language community and far beyond that.” On Saturday, Kneecap shared on social media that Mr. Ó Cairealláin was “an Irish language revolutionary, community activist, loving father, husband and an inspiration to many.” They dedicated their concert that evening, which was referred to as the “largest Irish language gig in the city’s history,” to him. They concluded, “Nothing would have made him prouder.” Conradh na Gaeilge stated that Mr. Ó Cairealláin “will be remembered as one of the great leaders and pioneers in the Irish language movement in Belfast.” The organization noted his role as a founding member of Raidió Fáilte, an Irish language station, and Meánscoil Feirste, west Belfast’s Irish language secondary school. Paula Melvin, president of Conradh na Gaeilge, remarked: “There can be no denying the incredible influence and impact Gearóid had on the Irish language movement, not only in Belfast, but throughout the country.” She added, “He leaves behind him an undeniable legacy that will be an immense source of inspiration for us all throughout the future.”