The weekly ‘Ciorcal Comhrá’ in Loughgeorge had a very special visitor on Friday morning when the acclaimed author Gearóid Willie O Fátharta spoke for an hour about his colourful life which included many years working as a Colomban Missionary in South America.

Gearóid Willie is the author of a new book, Mo Scéal Fhéin, which has been nominated for the 2026 Irish Language Book of the Year, and brought copies of the book with him to Loughgeorge to sign.

A wonderful Irish speaker and a native of Cois Fharraige, Gearóid spoke with great honesty about his time serving the poorest of people in Chile and Brazil, including the injustice he witnessed and his run ins with the authorities.

The acclaimed writer, who left the priesthood to marry the woman he loved, also spoke about place names of particular interest to the people of Claregalway and Annaghdown.

Members of the Friday morning ‘Ciorcal Comhrá’ were delighted when he signed copies of his book after the talk.

Gearóid is set to become a weekly visitor to Claregalway when he takes over the running of the Thursday night ‘Ciorcal Comhrá’ at The Arches Hotel from Thursday, October 1. There will be two versions of the weekly meet up this year.

The first ‘ciorcal’ from 7 to 8pm will be aimed at learners and those who feel they have forgotten their Irish since school. Gearoid Willie will spark a love of Irish among learners and those with a little fear of the language, thanks to his own deep love for Gaeilge.

The second ‘ciorcal’ from 8 to 9pm will be more of a social event for those who are more comfortable with the language, and people are welcome to drop in for either session at The Arches Hotel.

Another special guest is due to visit the Friday morning ‘Ciorcal Comhrá’ at the Galway GAA Centre this Friday, September 25, at 10.30am.

Sculptor Cathal Mc Carthy from Co. Mayo will talk about ‘Unfurl’, his three metre high steel and bronze sculpture which is planned for the heart of Claregalway village.

Cathal will talk about his plans for a scuplture which will honour Claregalway’s heritage as a Gaeltacht town on the eastern edge of Galway City.

Admission is free.