Mayo mourns popular civil rights activist from Achill Island

Mayo has lost one of its great advocates for Irish culture.

John 'Twin' McNamara from Dooagh, Achill passed away peacefully on Thursday (October 23).

McNamara was a beloved teacher, historian, and lifelong champion of Irish language and culture.

A former National School teacher in Dooagh NS, John was widely respected for his dedication to education and his tireless work preserving Achill’s heritage.

In the 1960s, he was a committed civil rights activist, standing up for Achill people forced to travel to England for seasonal work.

He was also one of the founding figures behind the revival of Scoil Acla, helping to restore it as a cornerstone of traditional music, language and the arts on Achill Island.

Only earlier this year in May, John 'Twin' McNamara received the Comhaltas Gradam na hÉigse Lifetime award for his efforts to revive Scoil Acla.

2025 marked the 40th anniversary of the revival of Scoil Acla, the celebrated summer school of Irish traditional arts, which John, alongside his wife Mary, Tommy 'The Boley' McNamara, Father John Cosgrave and many dedicated locals, brought back to life in 1985.

Since its revival, Scoil Acla has flourished, becoming a beacon of cultural preservation and artistic expression in Achill and beyond.

Scoil Acla writes on their homepage: "Under John’s stewardship and vision, Scoil Acla has grown from modest beginnings into a nationally and internationally recognised celebration of Irish tradition, attracting artists, musicians and learners from across the globe each summer."

John loved music and writing music. Watch an interview of him by the The Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA)on Youtube here. 

John will be fondly remembered as a proud Achill man, a storyteller, a cultural leader, and a friend to all who shared his love for the island and its people.

He is deeply mourned by his family, friends, former pupils, and the entire Achill community.

John was predeceased by his beloved son Seán, parents Anthony and Catherine, twin brother Pat and sister Nóra

He will be dearly and lovingly missed by his wife Mary, sons Eoin and Brian, grandchildren Seán, Cathal and Keila, sister Mary Teresa, daughters-in-law Catherine and Claudia, sisters-in-law Teresa, Maura, Mary and Anne, brother-in-law John Stephen, nieces, nephews and all his extended family, neighbours and many good friends.

John will repose at Lavelle’s Funeral Home (F28 Y0H9) Cashel, Achill on Saturday, October 25 from 4.30pm until 7pm. Removal from his residence is on Sunday morning to St Patrick's Church, Pollagh for requiem Mass at 11.30am. Burial afterwards in Slievemore cemetery.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

John "Twin" McNamara at the launch of his CD 'Oilean M'Aislingi' with musician Steve Cooney in 2022.