Tributes paid to 'Mr Rath Chairn' on his retirement

Pádraic Mac Donncha, who retired in 2009 as manager of Comharchumann Ráth Chairn after a long service to the community, the language and the culture, was honoured by a surprise tribute party to mark his stepping down. Two cabinet ministers, Transport Minister Noel Dempsey, and the Minister for Community, Gaeltacht and Rural Affairs, Eamon " Cuiv, attended the function. Mr Mac Donncha was born and reared in Ráth Chairn and has spent most of his life working and living in his native area. Educated in Scoil Uí Ghramhnaigh, Ráth Chairn, and the Vocational School in Áth Buí, he moved to Dublin where he received further education and training in the administration aspect of the hospitality trade. Gaining practical experience with the Gael Linn hotels, he moved back to Ráth Chairn to take up a post with newly developing engineering company there before joining Comharchumann Ráth Chairn as its first manager. During his time away from his native place, he never lost touch with home and became involved in the promotion of the Gaeltacht, the Irish language and Irish culture. He never shied away from any cause he believed in and campaigned relentlessly for Gaeltacht recognition for Ráth Chairn, and the cause of Irish language and education. His list of achievements included endless campaigning with the Land Commission to gain extra land for local farms, developing the local bog, the formation of a group water scheme, courses, classes, festivals and, indeed, anything else that impinged on the lives of Gaeilgeoirí. To gain maximum advantage for Ráth Chairn, he became involved and became a member of many national organisations involved in the language and culture. He was a member of the board of Raidió na Gaeltachta, and is a member of Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta, TG4, Conradh na Gaeilge - a cause very dear to his heart - as well as Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, and Glór na nGael. Mr Mac Donnacha paid tribute to the strong committee for his tenure of 32 years who, in turn, said he was a very strong leader.