Muiris Ó Rócháin Explained

Muiris Ó Rócháin (1944 in Dingle – 17 October 2011 in Milltown Malbay) was a teacher, director of the Willie Clancy Summer School, president of Oireachtas na Gaeilge and folk collector.^[1]

Ó Rócháin was a qualified teacher who taught mathematics and Irish in Cahersiveen, Waterville, Dublin and Spanish Point. While working in Dublin he met his wife Una Guerin and followed her to her native place Milltown Malbay, they married in 1970.^{[2] [3] [4]}

Muiris Ó Rócháin was one of the founders of the Willie Clancy Summer School. He was its director for many years.^{[5] [6]}

Over the years, he spent much time to folklore, community life and especially to Irish culture. Many organisations availed of his time and knowledge. Amongst others: Dál gCais, journal on Irish culture, Oidhreacht an Chláir Teo (Clare Institute for Traditional Studies).^[7] and The Clare Festival of Traditional Singing.

In 2001 Ó Rócháin was appointed as president of the Oireachtas na Gaeilge, an annually held arts festival of Irish culture.

Ó Rócháin was involved in the creation of three movies:^[8]

• 1980: My Own Place, by accordion player Tony MacMahon
• 1991: Story of the Dingle Wren
• 1992: Cur agus Cuiteamh

Awards

• 2010: TG4 Gradam na gCeoltóirí award (musician's award); for his contributions to Irish traditional music^{[6] [9] [10]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: Founder of Willie Clancy Summer School dies . unfit . https://web.archive.org/web/20140103180101/http://www.ramblinghouse.org/2011/10/founder-of-willie-clancy-summer-school-dies/ . 3 January 2014 .
2. Web site: Death of Muiris O'Rócháin. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085625/http://www.clare.fm/news/death-muiris-or%C3%B3ch%C3%A1. 4 March 2016.
3. News: Willie Clancy School co-founder O'Rochain passes away. Irish Independent. 18 October 2011.
4. http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/1019/1224306074269.html Tributes paid on death of Willie Clancy Summer School co-founder
5. Web site: Riches of Clare Series CD launch.
6. News: Remembering Muiris Ó Rócháin. The Journal of Music. 19 October 2011. 4 June 2014.
7. Web site: Corporate Information.
8. News: Co-founder of Willie Clancy summer school. 22 October 2011. 4 June 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140410173155/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-29916955.html . dead . 10 April 2014 . .
9. http://www.kerryman.ie/local-notes/muiris-x00d3-rx00f3chaacutein-is-honoured-for-contribution-to-trad-music-2118677.html Muiris Ó Rócháin is honoured for contribution to trad music
10. http://wexfordoperahouse.ie/index.php?option=com_press&task=download&id=62 TG4 Honours Traditional Musicians in Wexford Opera House