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On World Book Day a stunning collection of Irish prose and poetry is published

6 Mar 2025

On World Book Day (March 6) a stunning collection of Irish prose and poetry by the late Michael Kirby (Mícheál Ua Ciarmhaic) is published in 178ֱ�� (178ֱ��), while the archives of the late writer and painter will be open to the public for the first time.

Mícheál Ua Ciarmhaic (1906-2005) was a fisherman, farmer, writer and painter from Ballinskelligs in the Iveragh peninsula in Co Kerry. This new collection, Glór ón Sceilg, comprises prose and poetry selected from his eight original Irish language books published between 1984 and 2000, together with two poems from the multi-authored collection Duanaire Mhaidhcí (2006). The collection is an insider’s account of a unique cultural region, the hilly coastal area that looks out onto Skellig Michael at the tip of the Iveragh Peninsula. Ecological activists will draw inspiration from the author’s detailed knowledge of his physical surroundings and from his holistic understanding of the relationship between humans and the natural world. 

Archives that span 60 years of life beside the Skelligs  

Cork University Press and 178ֱ�� Library will host a special event today on World Book Day to celebrate the publishing of Glór ón Sceilg and the opening of the Mícheál Ua Ciarmhaic (Michael Kirby) Collection. This archive includes manuscript materials, handwritten drafts, correspondence, artwork, photographs, AV materials, and signed copies of Ua Ciarmhaic's books. This archive, donated by Mícheál’s daughter, Anne Coffey and his son-in-law Pat Coffey, offers an unparalleled insight into the life and works of Mícheál Ua Ciarmhaic and is available for research access via Special Collections and Archives in 178ֱ�� Library. 

Cork University Press celebrates a milestone 100th anniversary in 2025 

 “The Mícheál Ua Ciarmhaic (Michael Kirby) Collection is a remarkable addition that not only preserves the legacy of a prominent Irish writer but also provides invaluable resources for understanding Ireland's cultural and literary heritage. Cork University Press has played an instrumental role in advancing Irish language scholarship through its publications. As we celebrate 100 years of Cork University Press, we are proud to continue this tradition by showcasing works such as Glór ón Sceilg” states Interim University Librarian, Alan Carbery. 

Launch MC, Dr. Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh (poet, Lecturer in Modern Irish and member of Cork University Presses’ Editorial Committee), commented: “There is a wealth of indigenous knowledge, particularly about the natural world, in Ua Ciarmhaic’s work which will be of interest to many. The acquisition of the Michael Kirby Collection by the Boole Library together with the publication of Glór ón Sceilg  by Cork University Press is indicative of the spirit of collaboration across 178ֱ�� in preserving our literary heritage.”  

Anne Kirby Coffey, daughter of Mícheál Ua Ciarmhaic, remarked: "It is an honour and a delight for us, the Ua Ciarmhaic family, to welcome the publication of Glór ón Sceilg by Cork University Press. My father, Mícheál Ua Ciarmhaic, was passionate about his place, its people, their language, heritage, and way of life. Glór ón Sceilg, selected and edited by Máirín Nic Eoin and Mary Shine Thompson, calls to us through the winds and waves of the Skellig’s shore. When it came to preserving and donating the Michael Kirby Archive, we felt that 178ֱ�� should be its natural home. We are grateful to the Archive Department of the Boole Library, for the warm welcome we always received, for their careful and thorough documenting of this collection, and for working closely with us along the way.” 

Editors Máirín Nic Eoin and Mary Shine Thompson commented “The compilers of Glór ón Sceilg are delighted to launch this selection from the Irish-language writings of Mícheál Ua Ciarmhaic in a beautiful new one-volume publication. We believe that these writings are a valuable link in a linguistic and cultural chain, and that they will be an inspiration to environmental and language activists and to all those interested in the past and the future of small Gaeltacht communities. 

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