Cathaoirleach Award for Gaeilge conservationists

Pap and Kathryn Murphy of Turas Siar, Clogher, Belmullet were recipients of a Mayo Cathaoirleach Award for their Contribution to the Preservation and Promotion of the Irish Language (Gaeltacht-based) in Breaffy Hotel on March 7. Turas Siar is a language and culture research and genealogy centre open from 10am to 10pm seven days per week.

Pap has made a wonderful contribution to media and has spoken on Radio na Gaeltachta, TG4 and RTÉ. Several Irish language events have been held in the centre which has been a huge benefit to students and Gaelgeoirs.

Down through the years, Pap has spoken on Radio na Gaeltachta, TG4 and RTÉ. He has held many events for Seachtaine na Gaeilge local craft workshops such as basket weaving and Irish language book launche. He has gathered and recorded stories and folklore passed down from generation to generation in the native Erris canúint.

From an early age Pap recorded people and their life stories. He initiated the founding of www.duchas.ie, which aims to digitize the Irish National Folklore Collection.

Pap wrote ‘Turas Siar go Cill Mór’ or ‘Journey Back to Kilmore’ and also ‘Filí agus Amhráin na Cille Móire’ or ‘Songs and Poets of Kilmore’ with his wife Kathryn Murphy. He is currently working on digitizing his vast collection of CD recordings. Furthermore, he hopes that the centre will one day become an Irish academy.

A celebration of the award was held in Turas Siar on March 24 where traditional Irish music was provided by Darren O’Regan and Liam McGonigle. Children from the local Gaelscoil, Scoil Bhreandain, Eachleim sang sean-nós songs and played traditional music at the event and Sheila Ó’Mongáin sang sean-nós songs with the children.