Legacy of Risteard Mac Gabhann celebrated in Derry with launch of ‘Ciste Mhic Gabhann’
Derry-based Ultach Trust and Colmcille Press unite to honour the late author and musician with a major new bursary
A new bursary commemorating author and musician Risteard Mac Gabhann (1938-1923) is being set up to support Irish language cultural practitioners in the North West.
Broadcaster Joe Mahon made the announcement at the unveiling of a specially-commissioned portrait of his lifelong friend at Derry's Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin.
Mr Mahon has generously started 'Ciste Mhic Gabhann' with a donation of £5000 and says he hopes other funders will now also contribute to it.
More than 100 people attended the ceremony where the unveiling was conducted by Risteard Mac Gabhann's family, including his wife Joan, daughters Ciara, Áine and Treasa, and grandsons Fionn and Cian.
The portrait was created by Derry artist John McCandless and was sponsored by the Ultach Trust.
Colmcille Press, which published Mr Mac Gabhann's magnum opus Claisceadal cois Baile shortly before his death in May 2023, will help administer the new bursary along with Ciara Nic Gabhann, the Derry Cultúrlann and Joe Mahon himself.