President Michael D. Higgins pays tribute to "major figure of the Irish language movement" Pádraig Ó Snodaigh

President Michael D. Higgins is among those paying tribute to Irish language poet, writer, activist and publisher Pádraig Ó Snodaigh, who has died aged 89.

Born in Carlow in 1935, Ó Snodaigh dedicated his life to promoting the Irish language, serving as president Conradh na Gaeilge between 1974 and 1979.

From 1970 to 1973, he was co-editor of Pobal, an Irish language current affairs magazine. From 1974 to 1977, he was the editor of Carn, the official magazine of the Celtic League.

Ó Snodaigh later went on to found Coiscéim in 1980, a company which has published almost 2,000 books in Irish.

Three of his sons, Rossa, Rónán, and Colm, the latter of whom is also a renowned Irish language poet, are in the folk band Kíla. One of his other sons, Aengus, is a Sinn Féin Teachta Dála.

Tá Iar-Uachtarán Chonradh na Gaeilge (1974-79) agus laoch chló na Gaeilge, Pádraig Ó Snodaigh, imithe ar shlí na fírinne.

Gabhann an Conradh comhbhrón ó chroí lena mhuintir, lena sheancomrádaithe ar fad san eagraíocht agus lena chairde ar fad.

Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann. pic.twitter.com/mpxeNhmE99

— Conradh na Gaeilge ⭕️ (@CnaG) January 2, 2025

"It is with deep sadness that I, and I’m sure all of those involved with the Irish language are, in learning of the passing of Pádraig Ó Snodaigh," said President Higgins in a statement.

"A man of immense dedication and a major figure of the Irish language movement, Pádraig Ó Snodaigh’s life was marked by such a strong and lifelong commitment to the promotion and preservation of our native language, for its use, its literature, and above all its place in the daily life of our people.

"His numerous contributions and his longstanding work inspired countless others to cherish and embrace the language that is central to our shared cultural heritage (...)

"A steadfast advocate for the richness and resilience of Irish as a living language, Pádraig’s passing is a great loss for all those who work to promote the use of the Irish language, but his contributions to Irish society will undoubtedly leave an enduring legacy for generations to come."

Current Conradh na Gaeilge President Paula Melvin also paid tribute, describing how Ó Snodaigh's work will help inspire future generations.

“The enormous impact Pádraig Ó Snódaigh, a past President of the Conradh, had on the Irish language movement — through his leadership, pioneering publishing efforts, and unwavering passion for our culture — is something we will all cherish," Melvin said. "His profound legacy will inspire generations to come."

Pádraig Ó Snodaigh is predeceased by his wife Cliodhna and sister Mary. He is survived by his sons Aengus, Colm, Cormac, Fergus, Rónán and Rossa.