It was a great privilege to have had the opportunity to record Mons Padraig O’Fiannachta (81) at the presbytery in Dingle. A native of Ballymore, he is one of eight brothers and sisters, and he recalled the tragic death of his two brothers, who drowned while fishing for lobster. The life story of this scholarly man was recounted from his time at Maynooth, studying for the MA and BD simultaneously, and studying the Greek and Latin classics and Irish. He spoke about the mammoth task of translating the Bible into Irish, and continued with his memories of his time in Coolea, West Cork, and his eventual destination, Dingle itself. This was a very informative and frank interview with a man who has achieved so much in his lifetime.
Keywords: parish priest, Dingle, Ballymore, west Kerry, Dingle Bay, training, St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, curate, priest, Coolea, west Cork, legacy
