A new book charting the life of one of the most important figures in the history of Gaoth Dobhair has been officially launched.
Tom a’ Bhungaló: Tomás Mac Giolla Bhríghde, 1923-2013 is the title of the book by Noel Ó Gallchóir. It was launched in Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair on Saturday evening last.
The publication is a rich and comprehensive account of the life of Tomás Mac Giolla Bhríghde.
Tomás was a member of Aisteoirí Ghaoth Dobhair (the Gaoth Dobhair Players) from 1938 until 2013 as an actor, a producer, an author, and as director of the Aisteoirí and of Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair.
It was Tomás’ vision and entrepreneurship, along with a small group of like-minded people, that led to the foundation of Eastát Tionsclaíochta Ghaoth Dobhair (Gaoth Dobhair Industrial Estate) in the 1960s.
The book was officially launched by Pádraig Mac Giolla Easpaig, a lifelong friend of Tom a’ Bhungaló and a former teacher in Pobal Scoil Ghaoth Dobhair.
This book is primarily an account of Tom’s life but it is also an attempt to tell more about the story of Aisteoirí Ghaoth Dobhair, and that of Gaoth Dobhair in general.
The author Noel Ó Gallchóir is a writer, historian and dramatist who lives in Gort an Choirce. He taught in Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair from 1977 until 2015, as principal from 1998. He is president of An Cumann Scoildrámaíochta agus was involved with An Comhlachas Náisiúnta Drámaíochta from 1976 until 1996.
This is the second book Noel has written about Aisteoirí Ghaoth Dobhair. His first book on the topic, Aisteoirí Ghaoth Dobhair, 1931–1981, was awarded Gradam Uí Shúilleabháin for Irish language book of the year in 2021.
Tomás passed away in December 2013.
The book €25 (hardback) is available online and in bookshops.
Well known traditional singer Aoife Ní Fhearrigh pictured with Noel Johnny Sheáin Ó Gallchóir.
Noel Ó Gallchóir pictured with members of the family of Tom a’ Bhungaló at the launch.
Noel Ó Gallchóir and his wife Olive pictured with their sons, Seán and Aodh, daughter, Neasa, daughter-in-law, Clíodhna, and grandchildren, Fionn, Ruadhán and Sábha.