Gael Force: Conor Ó Gallachóir has a deep love for the Irish language

Conor Ó Gallachóir has been immersed in the Irish culture and language since a very young age.
Born in Gortahork, in An Bhealtaine, Conor’s first words were Irish. A great love of the language was cultivated in Conor from an early age.
He attended national school in Gortahork and attended Pobalscoil Chloich Cheann Fhaola (PCC).
While there,Conor, focused on the Irish langauge.
Like many from the area, Conor very much enjoyed taking part in dramas and concerts while at school. However, he says it was Irish-language singing and sean nós singing that really drove him towards the Irish language.
During his days in early education, Conor was exceptionally fortunate to have Gearóidín Breathnach as a cuntóir Gaeilge at his national school.
It took very little time for the Corn Uí Riada winner to identify Conor’s talent.
She took a special interest in Conor as did Cáitlín Joe Jack Ní Dhuibhir and Patricia Rodgers.
“They undoubtedly inpired me - all of them, and continue to do so. They all helped me,” he said.
Conor enjoys competitive sining. Each year, he travels to Oireachtas na Gaeilge and competes in the u/35 category - a category which is recognised as being tough by many who compete in the annual competition.
Each year, competitors take to the stage with their best slow and fast song. From time to time, singers can vary from their favourite songs.
Conor enjoys singing songs which share an affiliation with history. He loves songs that captures a moment in time, songs that are rich in history.
“The songs that I like to sing are songs that shares an insight into social history,” he said.
Conor would be known to sing Stainnín Dinny Keown - song he is thankful to have been given by Brian Danny Minnie, O’Donnell from Ranfast.
He also enjoys songs that are synonymous with his own area and the islands, Amhrán na Scadán, being one of these songs. The song is associated with the rich culture of Tory.
It came as little surprise to his parents, Máire and Micheál Ó Gallachóir, when Conor decided to study both Irish and history at the University of Galway.
Conor said he very much enjoys studying in Galway - an added bonus for the Gortahork man is the city is not far from the Connemara Gaeltacht.
“Many students from Donegal wanted to come to Galway to study. It is great that it is so close to the Connemara Gaeltacht. You couldn't be lonely here,” he said.
Conor is studying a Professional Masters of Education in the University of Galway.
Conor has built an extensive and focused CV at 21 years of age.
He can often be heard on Raidió na Gaeltachta doing sports commentary at the weekends.
“I really enjoy sports. I am the public relations officer (PRO) with the local branch of the GAA.
“I very much enjoy that.”
He also works with Pleanáil Teanga Chloich Cheann Fhaola in the Irish department in PCC.
They said: “Tá lúcháir orainn go raibh Conor Ó Gallachóir as An Bhealtaine ábalta ceardlanna amhránaíochta a éascú i rith na bliana sa Phobalscoil.
“Tá Conor ag déanamh staidéir iarchéime faoi láthair agus tá buanna iontacha aige le roinnt le foghlaimeoirí Gaeilge agus amhránaíochta.”
Conor also helped students prepare for debating competitions.
“We are delighted to fund connections between fluent Irish individuals who have so many transferable skills with organisations and schools in Cloch Cheann Fhaola.”
Conor has accomplished achieved so much from such a young age driven by his love for the Irish language.
His love of singing has brought him to centre stage in one of the toughest competitions on the singing circuit.
When asked who inspired him to as driven as he is, he says: “A wise old woman once said to me take every opportunity that comes your way, and I did.”