Former teacher and Oideas Gael founder Liam Ó Cuinneagáin shares the story of how he grew the Irish language and cultural learning centre into one of the most successful and well-attended institutions in any of Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions. Part one centres largely around the amazing partnership between Fr. McDyer and Liam’s father Willie Ó Cuinneagáin formed which transformed the area. 

Conversation includes: introductions; early life; education; studying psychology in UCD; Máirtín Ó Muilleoir; Seosamh Watson; connecting his Uncle Mickey and other family members in USA; Prof. Breandán MacSuibhne; Gleann Cholm Cille; Fr. James McDyer; Tory Island; McDyer bringing a weaving market into the area in 1950s; Willie Ó Cuinneagáin; Glencolmcille Folk Village; debating teams; Mansholt Plan; The Ireland House; Tom O’Donnell; Dean Charles Gray-Stack; Michael John Sweetman; Irish Press vs. Irish Independent; Éamon de Valera and other topics.

Music in the background from Eibhlis Farrell and Ray McManus in rehearsal as well as the sean-nós singing class of Gearóidín Breathnach which were happening in two classrooms concurrently.

Recorded on Tuesday 29th July 2025 - 2 days after Donegal competed against Kerry in the All-Ireland football final.

Relevant Links

http://www.oideas-gael.com/

189. Liam Ó Cuinneagáin: Oideas Gael - Part 2

Additional Links

https://www.dib.ie/biography/mcdyer-james-daniel-a5652

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Fr+McDyer%2C+Glencolmkille+Folk+Village

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