New Cathal Ó Searcaigh book launched at Ionad Cois Locha

A literary and spiritual journey around Errigal is how best to describe the latest book from one of Ireland’s most acclaimed Irish language poets, Cathal Ó Searcaigh.

'Errigal, a Sacred Mountain' was launched under the auspices of the Errigal Arts Festival at a sell-out concert in the recently refurbished and newly opened Ionad Cois Locha in Dún Lúiche.

An array of distinguished performers made the night a memorable event of music, song and spoken word. Stephen Rea celebrated actor and film star; Neil Martin cellist and one of Ireland's most renowned composers; Diane Ní Chanainn, Brian Dannie Minnie Ó Domhnaill, Máire Ní Choilm, a trio of leading sean nós singers; Brian Lacey, noted historian and archaeologist and Patrick Breslin, eminent Irish American writer and contributor to the Washington Post all added their own unique voices to this unforgettable event.

For a long time, the lofty grandeur of Errigal has charmed painters, photographers and filmmakers. This great iconic peak of the north-west has also been the focal point of much of Cathal Ó Searcaigh’s acclaimed poetry in the Irish language. In this book, he summons up the spirit of this revered mountain. The book is both a literary and a spiritual journey around the mountain. It is a sure-footed mix of memoir, acute observation, wry humour and wisdom. This rare and lovely publication is guaranteed to be a rewarding read and an uplift to the spirit.

“It is also a marvellous addition to the genre of mountain writing, both Irish and international and an instant classic on living and life” according to Chris Agee, poet and literary critic.

Neil Martin performed his newly commissioned suite of music for cello aptly named Sliabh an tSolais. This is a beautiful evocation of Errigal and was warmly applauded by a very appreciative audience. Cathal as fear a’ tí thanked the various agencies who sponsored and made the book and the launching concert possible. Pleanáil Teanga Chloich Cheann Fhaola, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Donegal County Council and Ealaín na Gaeltachta worked together to bring the publication to fruition and also assisted in providing funding for the launch.

Ó Searcaigh’s next publication will be a groundbreaking novel in Irish set in the trenches of the First World War. This will be the first in the Irish language to focus on the harrowing war.

It will be published by Conamara-based publishers – Leabhar Breac this autumn.