Introduction:
The word Seanchaí (or Shanachie in English) is the name given to the traditional Gaelic storyteller or historian, the literal translation of the word being “bearer of old lore”. In the days before radio or television, many townlands or districts in Ireland had a seanchaí, who kept the community entertained with their stories during the long winter evenings. Since I was a young boy, I was aware my maternal great grandfather, Padraig Ó Grifín who lived in Ballyroe - Baile Reo - north west of Dingle, Co. Kerry, was one such seanchaí, which sparked my life-long interest in these storytellers. Over the past 20 years I have come across a number of men who were wonderful at sharing many good stories and recitations. I knew some of these personally who had me captivated in a manner I’m sure was similar to that of the listening audience of any seanchaí in Ireland long ago and I wish to share their stories with you here.
I will begin with the family history of my great grandfather and the collecting and subsequent publication of his stories, followed by the history and stories of 4 men I would classify as modern-day seanchaí:
The word Seanchaí (or Shanachie in English) is the name given to the traditional Gaelic storyteller or historian, the literal translation of the word being “bearer of old lore”. In the days before radio or television, many townlands or districts in Ireland had a seanchaí, who kept the community entertained with their stories during the long winter evenings. Since I was a young boy, I was aware my maternal great grandfather, Padraig Ó Grifín who lived in Ballyroe - Baile Reo - north west of Dingle, Co. Kerry, was one such seanchaí, which sparked my life-long interest in these storytellers. Over the past 20 years I have come across a number of men who were wonderful at sharing many good stories and recitations. I knew some of these personally who had me captivated in a manner I’m sure was similar to that of the listening audience of any seanchaí in Ireland long ago and I wish to share their stories with you here.
I will begin with the family history of my great grandfather and the collecting and subsequent publication of his stories, followed by the history and stories of 4 men I would classify as modern-day seanchaí:
- Padraig Ó Grifín – Baile Reo, Dingle Co. Kerry
- Tom O’Malley – Chicago & Doughmakeon, Co. Mayo
- Matt Joe O’ Neill – Deelis, Caherciveen, Co. Kerry
- Kevin Henry – Chicago & Doocastle, Co. Mayo
- Mikeen McCarthy – Caherciveen, Co. Kerry & London, England