Date: 11 Dec 2025
Digitized Biography of Niall Mac Giolla Bhrighde now available online
Donegal Library Service is delighted to announce that the digitized Biography of Niall Mac Giolla Bhrighde is now available online for free
Niall Mac Giolla Bhrighde was born in An Fhaiche Mhór, An Craoslach, on the 31st October 1861. He was well known as a songwriter and an Irish language activist. He composed songs such as 'Mo Chró Beag ag Bun Chnoc an Tí', 'An Trucailín Donn' and 'Noreen Bawn’.
In 1905, Mac Giolla Bhrighde was fined for having his name in Irish on his cart and at that time, hundreds of Irish speakers were convicted of various offences relating to the Irish language. The case was heard in the High Court and it was Patrick Pearse who represented Mac Giolla Bhrighde. Despite the fact they lost it, it was seen as an accomplishment for Niall who stood up for the Irish Language.
The biography was first published in 1939 and copies of the book are now difficult to source. However, thanks to the project undertaken by Donegal Library Service, a digitized version of the book is now available for readers all over the world to access free of charge.
Many thanks to An Gúm who gave permission to do so.
Cathaoirleach of Na Gleannta Municipal District, Michael McClafferty will officially launch the digitized version on Thursday, 11 December at 6.30pm in the Hub, An Craoslach followed by words of appreciation from Cathaoirleach Choiste na Gaeilge, an Comhairleoir Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig.
This event is organised by the Donegal Library Service in association with LPT Thuaisceart Dhún na nGall and Rannóg na Gaeilge, Comhairle Contae Dhún na nGall.
A festival commemorating Niall Mac Giolla Bhrighde was held in May of this year, funded by Creative Ireland.
For more information on events in our libraries, visit www.donegalculture.ie or follow @DonegalCountyLibrary on Facebook and @Donegallibrary on Twitter and Instagram.
The biography is available to read here:
https://issuu.com/donegalculture/docs/niall_mac_giolla_bhr_de?fr=sY2MwNjg0MDI5MjU
