Irish Republican News · September 29, 2003

Death of Proinsias Mac Aonghusa

The death has taken place of Proinsias Mac Aonghusa, a former broadcaster and writer and a key figure in the Irish language movement.

He was married to the Supreme Court judge, Ms Justice Catherine McGuinness.

Mr Mac Aonghusa was president of Conradh na Gaeilge for six years and also served as chairman of Bord na Gaeilge. He served on the Arts Council from 1982-1984 and from 1989-1998.

In 1992, he generated calls for his dismissal from Bord na Gaeilge when he called on ``every respectable nationalist'' in west Belfast to vote for Mr Gerry Adams in the Westminster election.

Bob Collins, the director general of Irish national television, said Mr Mac Aonghusa was ``one of the most significant broadcasters in Irish on both media. His flagship programme Iris was innovative, imaginative and way ahead of its time.''

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has expressed his sympathy and solidarity to the family of Pronsias Mac Aonghusa, expecially to his wife Catherine, on his death. He described Proinsias as ``an outstanding Irishman and patriot''.

Mr. Adams said Mac Aonghusa was ``imbued with a sense of national consciousness and a pride in Irish culture. He was an outstanding gaelgoir and made a huge contribution to Irish language movement, journalism and the life of the whole nation. He will be sadly missed.''

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