The story of Cló Iar-Chonnacht
Cló Iar-Chonnacht publishes Irish-language books and Irish traditional music. We offer an extensive range of Irish-language books and traditional albums for sale on our website and our shop in Connemara. Cló Iar-Chonnacht (CIC) was founded in 1985, and since then we have published over 300 books and 150 music albums. Among the most productive publishing houses in the country, CIC employs five people full-time in our offices in Inverin, Connemara. We are one of the largest private Irish language publishing companies in Ireland.
CIC sees itself primarily as a guardian and patron of Irish language and Gaeltacht culture. We understand the great value of this culture, and the importance of protecting and fostering it. Our aim is to encourage and support our musicians and writers, and to help to bring their arts to a wide audience.
CIC publishes a wide range of literature; anthologies of poetry, short stories and songs, novels, teenage fiction, children’s books, theses and history books. We have published some books in English, mainly translations of important Irish language literature, and also some bilingual books. Many of these works are available in audio format, many as part of the series An Béal Beo.
In terms of our music catalogue, CIC’s original goal was to record the musicians of Connemara, and in particular its sean-nós singers, to ensure that their rich tradition would be available to future generations. This remains one of CIC’s priorities, however our brief has been expanded to include many different genres of music including traditional, sean-nós from all over Ireland, Cajun, country and Cape Breton.
CIC has published two CDs containing selections of their best music. Ceiliúradh, a selection of the best music from CIC 1985 – 1995, was published in 1995 as part of our ten year celebrations, and Caise Ceoilwas published in 2000, featuring the best from 1995 – 2000. The book Sláinte was also published in 1995 as part of the celebrations, and contains a selection of the literature from the CIC catalogue 1985 – 1995.
Micheál Ó Conghaile, a well-known and respected writer, founded the company in 1985 when he was a university student. A prolific and talented writer, he has been awarded many prizes for his work. His novelSna Fir was named on the shortlist for the Irish Times Literary Prize 2001, he received the Butler Literary Prize 1997, and in the same year he won the Hennessy Literary Award for his short story Athair.
Deirdre Ní Thuathail is General Manager of CIC, Lisa Mc Donagh is Sales Manager, Bridget Bhreathnach is the Marketing Manager, Lochlainn Ó Tuairisg is the Literary Editor and Julianne Ní Chonchobhair is the Assistant Editor.
Company Directors
Micheál Ó Conghaile – Director and Chairman of the Board
Originally from Connemara, Co. Galway. He holds a BA, MA and ATO from the National University of Ireland, Galway. He spent time lecturing with Froebel College of Eduction, Dublin and in St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dublin and as Writer in Residence in Queen’s University, Belfast. He has written several books, short stories, novels, history and poetry and is the editor of several books of songs.
Tadhg Ó Conghaile – Director and Secretary of the Board
He holds a Masters Degree in Community Development, Business Strategy and a Bachelors Degree in Commerce from the National University of Ireland, Galway. He has a Diploma in Language Planning. He is employed in the position of Regional Manager with Údarás na Gaeltachta. He is the director of a number of companies involved in community development and education.
Principles of Transparency
Cló Iar-Chonnacht is committed to compliance with the Arts Council Code of Governance and Principles of Good Fundraising.
Cló Iar-Chonnacht’s most recent financial statements can be viewed at this link: Ráitis_Airgeadais_CIC.pdf
