Digitised biography of Niall Mac Giolla Bhrighde to be launched in Creeslough

A digitised biography of Niall Mac Giolla Bhrighde will be launched this evening. 

First published in 1939, copies of the book are now difficult to source. However, the Donegal Library Service has made a digitised version of the book available for readers worldwide to access free of charge. 

Cathaoirleach of Na Gleannta Municipal District, Michael McClafferty, will officially launch the digitised version on Thursday, 11 December at 6.30pm in the Hub, An Craoslach. This will be followed by words of appreciation from Cathaoirleach Choiste na Gaeilge, an Comhairleoir Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig.

Niall Mac Giolla Bhrighde was born in An Fhaiche Mhór, An Craoslach, on October 31, 1861. He was well known as a songwriter and an Irish language activist. He composed songs such as 'Mo Chró Beag ag Bun Chnoc an Tí', 'An Trucailín Donn' and 'Noreen Bawn’.

In 1905, Mac Giolla Bhrighde was fined for having his name in Irish on his cart and at that time, hundreds of Irish speakers were convicted of various offences relating to the Irish language. The case was heard in the High Court and it was Patrick Pearse who represented Mac Giolla Bhrighde. 

Despite the fact that they lost it, it was seen as an accomplishment for Niall, who stood up for the Irish Language. The biography is available to read here.

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This event is organised by the Donegal Library Service in association with LPT Thuaisceart Dhún na nGall and Rannóg na Gaeilge, Comhairle Contae Dhún na nGall.  A festival commemorating Niall Mac Giolla Bhrighde was held in May of this year, funded by Creative Ireland.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme