Liam
Ó Buachalla was born in Rathcoole Co. Cork on February
18th 1882, he was a farmer’s son, the youngest in a family of
six. He had four sisters Eibhlin, Nora, Maggie and Mary and
one brother Timmy. Liam left school at fourteen and, after working
on the home farm for a spell, participated in an Irish study
course in Ballingeary. Liam initially conducted Irish classes
at the Rathcoole branch of Conradh na Gaeilge in 1898, qualified
as an Irish teacher in 1906, and his first post was teaching
in the national schools of Gorey, Camolin, Riverchapel, Monamolin
and Kilmuckridge in County Wexford. Homesickness and a meagre
payment of a shilling an hour saw Liam return to Kilcorney where
his abiding interest in the promotion of the Irish language,
figure and set dancing, had him travelling by bicycle form Kilcorney
to Rathcoole, Banteer, Lyre, Gortmore and Millstreet to give
night classes. He was also a keen enthusiast and follower of
drama. Liam availed of a Kiln ground provided by his brother-in-law
Jeremiah Twomey to construct a dwelling house, dance hall and
shop. Kilcorney hall opened in May 1914. Amid turbulent times,
and the Gaelic beliefs being subjected to suppression by the
military authorities, Liam fell foul of the Royal Irish Constabulary.
A raid on the family home in 1915 was followed by his arrest
the following year at Millstreet Horse Fair for allegedly interfering
against a Recruitment Sergeant and infringing His Majesty -
the King of England. Courtmarshalled in Cork’s Victoria Barracks,
he was freed without charge. The episode failed to distract
Liam from his growing friendship with neighbour Catherine Dennehy
whom he married on March 2nd 1916 in St. John’s Church, Dromtarriffe.
Following the 1916 rising Liam, though not involved, became
a supporter of the cause. Liam was taken out of his bed, handcuffed
and taken for internment to Wormwood Scrubs in England and Frongoch,
Wales where he remained without trial until his release at Christmas
1916. 1927 marked the commencement of Irish classes in Kilcorney
Hall.
Three
years later Liam founded a branch of the Gaelic League to further
the advancement of the Irish language in Kilcorney.
Liam’s health deteriorated and he was hospitalised at Hume Street,
Dublin. He
returned home prior to the 1940 Feis. Sadly he passed away,
peacefully, in the South Infirmary, Cork on February 14th 1941.
A devoted Husband and Father, a man of great compassion and
courage, Liam played a key role in the growth, preservation
and development of our Country's national identity. Liam Ó
Buachalla's contribution to life was immeasurable and permanent.
Kilcorney and Ireland owing him a great debt of gratitude. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anim dílis
Liam
Ó Buachalla was born in Rathcoole Co. Cork on February
18th 1882, he was a farmer’s son, the youngest in a family of
six. He had four sisters Eibhlin, Nora, Maggie and Mary and
one brother Timmy. Liam left school at fourteen and, after working
on the home farm for a spell, participated in an Irish study
course in Ballingeary. Liam initially conducted Irish classes
at the Rathcoole branch of Conradh na Gaeilge in 1898, qualified
as an Irish teacher in 1906, and his first post was teaching
in the national schools of Gorey, Camolin, Riverchapel, Monamolin
and Kilmuckridge in County Wexford. Homesickness and a meagre
payment of a shilling an hour saw Liam return to Kilcorney where
his abiding interest in the promotion of the Irish language,
figure and set dancing, had him travelling by bicycle form Kilcorney
to Rathcoole, Banteer, Lyre, Gortmore and Millstreet to give
night classes. He was also a keen enthusiast and follower of
drama. Liam availed of a Kiln ground provided by his brother-in-law
Jeremiah Twomey to construct a dwelling house, dance hall and
shop. Kilcorney hall opened in May 1914. Amid turbulent times,
and the Gaelic beliefs being subjected to suppression by the
military authorities, Liam fell foul of the Royal Irish Constabulary.
A raid on the family home in 1915 was followed by his arrest
the following year at Millstreet Horse Fair for allegedly interfering
against a Recruitment Sergeant and infringing His Majesty -
the King of England. Courtmarshalled in Cork’s Victoria Barracks,
he was freed without charge. The episode failed to distract
Liam from his growing friendship with neighbour Catherine Dennehy
whom he married on March 2nd 1916 in St. John’s Church, Dromtarriffe.
Following the 1916 rising Liam, though not involved, became
a supporter of the cause. Liam was taken out of his bed, handcuffed
and taken for internment to Wormwood Scrubs in England and Frongoch,
Wales where he remained without trial until his release at Christmas
1916. 1927 marked the commencement of Irish classes in Kilcorney
Hall.
Three
years later Liam founded a branch of the Gaelic League to further
the advancement of the Irish language in Kilcorney.
Liam’s health deteriorated and he was hospitalised at Hume Street,
Dublin. He
returned home prior to the 1940 Feis. Sadly he passed away,
peacefully, in the South Infirmary, Cork on February 14th 1941.
A devoted Husband and Father, a man of great compassion and
courage, Liam played a key role in the growth, preservation
and development of our Country's national identity. Liam Ó
Buachalla's contribution to life was immeasurable and permanent.
Kilcorney and Ireland owing him a great debt of gratitude.