I am honoured to be here today, together with the Government, to accept the Seán Ó Riada archive on behalf of the Irish State and University College Cork. It is fitting that the archive should be accepted today on the occasion of the Government meeting which recognised Cork City of Culture 2005.
Today is an occasion of both immense musical and historical significance. Seán Ó Riada – the musician, the composer and the Irish language enthusiast – has long been associated with both this University and the Cork Gaeltacht, in particular Cúl Aodha where he spent his final years.
It is appropriate therefore, that the life’s work of a man who had such a profound impact on the revival and appreciation of traditional Irish music, should find its resting place within this University.
In receiving this archive, we gain a fresh understanding of a musician whose works are amongst the most well known modern Irish compositions today.
It is particularly appropriate, in fact, that the handover of this archive is taking place in the Lewis Glucksman Gallery. I am honoured that the great friend of Ireland, Loretta Glucksman has made the time in her diary to join us. I am delighted to have had the opportunity to visit the Gallery today and to see at first-hand the valuable work being undertaken here.
As Ireland’s newest arts space, this gallery provides both a cultural and educational space for the people of Cork and beyond to explore the visual arts.
And, exploration is also at the heart of Seán Ó Riada’s archive. Given the breadth and diversity of this collection, musical scholars and all those with an interest in Irish culture and language, will now have a unique opportunity to explore the many facets of Seán Ó Riada’s life. The musical scores, books and instruments all help to understand how his work developed. In addition, Seán’s extensive business correspondence with Radio Éireann, the Abbey Theatre and Gael Linn, provides us with an insight into key Irish institutions that have defined us as a people. Even the inclusion of Seán’s fishing rod adds a touch of authenticity to this archive!
In accepting this collection, I would like to pay tribute in particular to Seán Ó Riada’s family for their careful preservation of this archive over the years. Your efforts in assembling and maintaining this collection will now provide an invaluable resource for scholarship and musical appreciation for so many.
I am delighted that your wish to maintain the archive within the Cork region has been fulfilled. With financial assistance from the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism, University College Cork, has been in a position to purchase this valuable collection.
Additional funding has also been granted to the University towards the cost of conserving and exhibiting the collection.
As a home of music, with a Music Department, that puts a strong emphasis on the study of traditional Irish music, University College Cork provides a natural home for this collection. I know that the library under the stewardship of John Fitzgerald, has many plans for its exposition. The building of the extension to the Boole Library, will offer a unique opportunity to share this fascinating collection with the widest possible audience. I commend the University on the strides being taken to ensure possibilities for scholarship and exhibition for so many.
In receiving this archive today we ensure that the great musical legacy of Seán Ó Riada will live on for many generations to come. I pay tribute to all those who played such an important role in making today a reality. Go raibh maith agaibh uile.
ENDS