The 2025 Mícheál Ó’Cléirigh Summer School is set to take place in Rossnowlagh from May 9 to 11, with the theme Diaspora and Homecoming / Deoraithe ag filleadh ar ais go hÉireann. The organising committee formally launched the 2025 Summer School programme in the Sandhouse Hotel, Rossnowlagh on Friday, April 25. The launch was attended by local representatives Cllr Michael Boyle and Cllr Michael Naughton, Mayor of Donegal Town Anna Gallgaher, and Senator Manus Boyle. Brendan Travers, Chairperson of Creevy Community Group and Barry Sweeny, Ballyshannon Regeneration Group were also in attendance. Click on the arrows to see Philip Mulligan's photos of the launch:
The three-day Summer School event celebrates the legacy and work of Mícheál Ó’Cléirigh and the chroniclers who wrote the Annals of the Four Masters. The committee outlined a programme that celebrates all aspects of Irish culture.
Cllr Boyle congratulated the committee for the work in organising the event and for preparing a programme with a range of events and guest speakers that celebrates our culture and history.
He said: “This is a programme that has something for everyone.”
CllrNaughton acknowledged the hard work of the committee in organising the event and said: “The work, effort and time of the committee has made this event possible.”
Anna Gallagher, Mayor of Donegal Town spoke about how the theme Diaspora and Homecoming is relevant today.
She said: “There are strong parallels between Ireland’s experience in the time of Michael O’Cleirigh and our present time.”
As the launch concluded and conversations flowed, Senator Manus Boyle summed up the 2025 programme when he said: “This is an important event in Donegal and also nationally. It celebrates all aspects of Irish culture and history.”
The summer school starts on Friday evening, May 9 with a reception at 6.30pm in the Friary Hall, Rossnowlagh. Joe Mahon will then perform the official opening.
The results of the art competition will be announced, and the evening will continue with music from Coláiste Cholmcille Choir and Ballyshannon Phil Rooney Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
On Saturday, May 10, speakers will include Professor John Mc Cafferty Director of the Mícheál Ó Cléirigh Institute, UCD; Mr Pierce Ferriter; Professor Thomas O’Connor; Professor Charles Ivar McGrath; Ms Bridget Brennan; and Professor Marian Lyons. This stellar list of speakers promise content that will inform, challenge, and stimulate conversations and discussions.
The evening will finish with the Summer School dinner in the Sandhouse Hotel, Rossnowlagh, with music by Bel Canto
The Summer School will conclude on Sunday, May 7 with Aifreann as Gaeilge in the Friary and a tour of local cultural and historical sites.
Tickets are available from: [email protected] or [email protected] or any committee member.
More details are available at our website www.mocleirigh.ie and on the Facebook page Micheal O Cleirigh Summer School @mocleirighschool.
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