Eibhl∅n N∅ Chathailriabhaigh, who died on June 7th aged 91, played a pivotal role in the Irish language movement throughout her life.
She was born in Donnybrook, Dublin on June 1st, 1910. Her father, Michael Colleary, was a tram driver from Sligo. Her mother, Honora Broderick, was born in Galmoy, Co Kilkenny.
Second eldest in a family of four, she, Michael, Anne, and Seβn attended the local national school. Her father kindled her interest in Irish but it was only after the establishment of the Irish Free State that she got the opportunity to learn the language. Pupils, initially, could choose to attend Irish classes on two afternoons a week.
She then attended the College of Commerce in Rathmines. While there she went at night to Irish classes in the Rathmines Vocational School. She had wished to pursue a career in accountancy but being of the view that that profession, was not at the time, very open to women she decided to sit for an examination to enter the Civil Service.
Having been successful she went to work in the Land Commission in 1928. She was later transferred to the Department of Education and finally obtained the grade of higher executive officer.
She was the first civil servant to receive special leave to attend an Irish language course, having won a scholarship from the Rathmines Vocational School to attend Colβiste an Phiarsaigh, An Tulach, Co Galway. Sean Beaumont, later editor of An tEireannach (1934-1937), was in charge of that college. She often spoke of how he influenced the direction her life took.
On her return to Dublin she joined the Sandymount branch of Conradh na Gaeilge, Craobh Phβdraig Mhic Phiarais.
Her organisational and administrative skills were quickly apparent and she became r·na∅ of that branch and an officer in other branches afterwards - Craobh Thomβs Daibh∅s in Ranelagh, and Craobh na gC·ig gC·ig∅ in Ely Place. She and Leon ╙ Dubhghaill vigorously revived Feis ┴tha Cliath which is still held annually.
An Ard-Chraobh, founded in 1894, was the Conradh branch with which she was most associated. She was uachtarβn of the branch for many years until her death and cathaoirleach of it before that.
She was one of the four trustees of Conradh na Gaeilge and a member of Coiste Gn≤ Chonradh na Gaeilge, the organisation's national executive, until her death.
Along with Pβdraig ╙ Siochfhradha ("An Seabhac"), Leon ╙ Dubhghaill and others she played a major part in the re-establishment of Oireachtas na Gaeilge in 1939 after a lapse of 15 years.
She was elected uachtarβn of An tOireachtas in 1971 and was cathaoirleach of Coiste Nβisi·nta an Oireachtais from 1981-1986.
At the jubilee Ard-Fheis of Conradh na Gaeilge in 1943 it was decided to found Comhdhβil Nβisi·nta na Gaeilge as a forum for the exchange of views between the many Irish language organisations. Eibhl∅n N∅ Cathailriabhaigh was seconded from the Civil Service and was r·na∅ of that new body until 1947.
She was involved in very many organisations including An Ceol-Chumann, Cairde na Cruite, An Fheis Cheoil, Bantracht na Tuaithe, Muintir na T∅re, National Action, Forβs ╔ireann and Fond·ireacht an Phiarsaigh.
Extremely interested in all Celtic countries she was active in An Chomhdhβil Cheilteach, the Celtic Congress, from 1934.
She travelled, until recently, to two or three Celtic countries annually where she met up with her many friends.
She was awarded Gradam Sheachtain na Gaeilge in 1990 and Gradam an Phiarsaigh in 1991.
Eibhl∅n N∅ Chathailriabhaigh enjoyed life to the full. She played golf and captained a camogie team while young. Her library showed her wide range of interests - Irish language; Irish, Celtic and world history; literature; cooking and gardening.
Eibhl∅n N∅ Chathailriabhaigh: born 1910; died, June 2001