Former Fianna Fáil Minister becomes President of Irish language organisation

FORMER Galway West TD, Éamon Ó Cuív was inaugurated as the 2025 President of Oireachtas na Gaeilge, at a special ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House.

Mr Ó Cuív’s connection with Oireachtas na Gaeilge spans several generations on both the Ó Cuív and de Valera branches of the family, members of whom served on various Oireachtas committees from the early 1900s and were also notable literary award winners.

Éamon Ó Cuív’s service to the organisation dates back to the early 1970s before his move to the Conamara Gaeltacht.

Ó Cuív is one of the most widely known and respected of Irish parliamentarians and a passionate advocate for civil, language and human rights. A native of Dublin and graduate of University College Dublin, he entered politics after moving to Dúiche Seoigheach in the Connemara Gaeltacht, where he raised a family of four with his spouse, Áine Ní Choincheanainn.

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“Eamon Ó Cuív’s background is remarkably intertwined with that of Oireachtas na Gaeilge, the Irish language and, indeed, the history of Ireland,” said Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, CEO of An tOireachtas.

“The most significant and important pieces of legislation and Government policy regarding the Irish language and the protection of various disadvantaged communities implemented during his years in the Dáil and the Seanad bear his mark. He is a passionate and staunch campaigner for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht; for culture and the arts; and for the rights of people in all spheres of life. He will undoubtedly be an outstanding ambassador for the Oireachtas over the coming year and I look forward to working with him.”

Mr Ó Cuív served as Minister in several Government Departments, including the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs and the Department of Social Protection; and served as deputy leader of Fianna Fáil during 2011-2012.

His long-term commitment to the development of rural and island communities is widely regarded, as is his engagement with communities in Northern Ireland on both sides of the political divide to foster peace and reconciliation.

He announced his retirement from politics in 2024 having served as the TD for Galway West constituency for 32 years and three years before that as a Senator. He began his term office as the 2025 President of Oireachtas na Gaeilge on being presented with his Chain of Office. The inauguration was one of the first of many events in the 2025 Oireachtas calendar. All up to date information is available at www.antoireachtas.ie.