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The death has occurred of Tomás Mac Ruairí, Former President of Conradh na Gaeilge

Conradh na Gaeilge is saddened today by the news that Tomás P.T. Mac Ruairí (1939–2023), member of the Executive Committee and former President of Conradh na Gaeilge, has died. 

Tomás was a giant in the Irish language and in Irish life. Since he first registered as a member of Conradh na Gaeilge in 1955, he spent several long periods as a member of the Executive Committee and the Standing Committee of the organisation since 1962. He founded the Craobh Bhréanainn branch of Conradh na Gaeilge in North Dublin and was active in the Ardchraobh and in Coiste Ceantair Bhaile Átha Cliath. He founded a Coláiste Samhraidh in Tír an Fhia along with his branch. He served as Press Officer and as a Timire of Conradh na Gaeilge in the 1960s, at a time when he was editor of the Rosc magazine and he coordinated the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Easter Rising in 1966. Tomás organised the launch event in No. 6 Harcourt Street when the organisation moved to the house in 1966. He was elected Tánaiste in 1994 and was President of Conradh na Gaeilge from 1998 to 2003.

Outside of his work with Conradh na Gaeilge, Tomás spent his life in journalism with the Irish Press, Inniu and other publications. He was director of An Comhlacht Chumarsáide Creagáin Teo, and of CCC Nuacht Teo. He was a founding member of Gaelscoileanna Teo and Scoil Neasáin, where he served as a voluntary manager from 1970 to 1974. He was very interested in broadcasting, and was Secretary of the Board of Raidió na Life from 2010 to 2023. Tomás spent various periods on the Board of Seachtain na Gaeilge, he was Chairman of the Oireachtas na Gaeilge Committee from 1955 to 1996, President of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge from 2004 to 2010, and Head of Ireland of the Lorient Interceltic Festival for a quarter of a century. He is the current Chairperson of An Siopa Leabhar since 2017. 

Déanann Conradh na Gaeilge comhbhrón lena bhean chéile, Síle, agus a chlann uilig.

Speaking today, Paula Melvin, President of Conradh na Gaeilge said:

“The death of Tomás Mac Ruairí is a great sorrow for Conradh na Gaeilge and the Irish language community. Conradh na Gaeilge sympathises with his family in Baile Átha Cliath and Ard Mhacha, as well as with all his friends. He has given a huge amount of his time and energy over the years to Conradh na Gaeilge and to the Irish language movement, and in a personal capacity P.T. was always a great friend and mentor to me from my time as a student until this week. We are all indebted to him for it.”

Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal.

 Peadar Tomás Mac Ruairí 1939 2023


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Conradh na Gaeilge

6 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2.
Phone: +353 (0) 1 475 7401, Fax: +353 (0) 1 475 7844, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.