Peadar Toner Mac Fhionnlaoich


Peadar Toner Mac Fhionnlaoich, known as Cú Uladh, was an Irish language writer during the Gaelic Revival. He wrote stories based on Irish folklore, some of the first Irish language plays, and regularly wrote articles in most of the Irish language newspapers such as An Claidheamh Soluis

Background

He was born in Allt an Iarainn, County Donegal to Micheal McGinley and Susan Toner. He attended school locally until he was seventeen. He then attended Blackrock College in Dublin for two years. On leaving school he entered into the British Civil Service becoming an Inland revenue Officer. In 1895 he married Elizabeth Woods and they had twelve children. He spoke Irish from an early age and kept an interest in the language throughout his life, first publishing and Irish language short story and poem in The Donegal Christmas Annual 1883. It was not until 1895 while living in Belfast that he became involved in the Gaelic Movement.

Conradh na Gaeilge

It was in his Belfast home that the first meeting of the Ulster branch of the Conradh na Gaeilge in 1895. From this point on he became very involved in Conradh na Gaeilge becoming the organisations president on several occasions.

Seanad Éireann

Mac Fhionnlaoich was a member of Seanad Éireann from 1938 to 1942 when he was nominated by the Taoiseach Éamon de Valera.

Main works

  1. The Donegal Christmas Annual 1883 – '
  2. Miondrámanna – '
  3. Handbook of Irish Teaching
  4. An Pléidseam
  5. Tá na Francaighe ar an Mhuir – '
  6. An Léightheoir Gaedhealach – '
  7. Eachtra Aodh Ruaidh Uí Dhomhnaill – '
  8. Conchubhar Mac Neasa – '
  9. Ciall na Sean-Ráidhte. Republished as: Ciall na Seanráite. New edition edited by Seán Mac Aindreasa.
  10. An Cogadh Dearg agus Scéalta Eile – '
  11. Scríobhnóirí Móra Chúige Uladh 1530–1750 – '
  12. Bliain na hAiséirí. Edited by Éamon Ó Ciosáin –