Former President Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh talks about his education, work in the Irish Press and the current state of the Irish language.
Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh has served previously as a barrister, Attorney General, Chief Justice of Ireland, Judge of the Court of Justice of the European Communities. He was elected the fifth president of Ireland in 1974 after the sudden death of President Erskine Childers.
Following a clash with the Liam Cosgrave led government of the day, Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh resigned from office on 22 October 1976, becoming the first Irish president to do so.
Born in Bray County Wicklow, his parents ran a shop in the town, until his father's death when Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh was nine years old. The family then moved to Dublin, and he attended Synge Street CBS (Christian Brothers Schools) as a scholarship student. He graduated from University College Dublin in 1931 with a degree in Celtic Studies, having studied under Douglas Hyde.
As the Irish language editor for the Irish Press his first interview was with his former university professor in Douglas Hyde's home place, Frenchpark County Roscommon. His work at the Irish Press was at the time when the newspaper was under the stewardship of Éamon De Valera. This provided him with the opportunity to share his love of the Irish language and ensured
Go raibh tugadh an gnáth-nuacht ins an Ghaolainn sa chéad uair.
The Ó Dálaigh family were descended from poets, and an interest in Irish culture was instilled in him and his brother Aonghus at an early age.
Regarding the English language, he acknowledges that it is necessary to use it in this day and age, but is heartened by the change in attitude towards the Irish language, and believes that it is in a better place now than previously, because it has adjusted and adapted to modern life,
Is céim mhór ar aghaidh an méid sin, i mo thuairimse.
This episode of 'Féach’ was broadcast on 25 October 1976. The presenter is Prionsias Mac Aonghusa.
