It is with great sadness we report the death of Pádraic de Bhaldraithe, who passed in Galway hospice on Monday 8th July after a long illness.
Pádraic was the IWDG Irish Language Officer from 2012 to 2024, but he will be known throughout Ireland for so much more. A zoologist, teacher, educator, skipper, inspector, owner of a Galway hooker and Gaelgór. He was immersed in the Irish language, the west of Ireland and all things marine. Always cheerful, gentle, with a kind word or useful advice and an experienced old head, always available to help steady the ship when needed.
Pádraic was a keen sailor and on occasion joined us on RV Celtic Mist. In November 2021, we had a launch of the Leabhar Blonaige na hÉireann, the IWDG’s ‘Blubber Book’ which was translated by Pádraic and distributed to all national schools in Ireland. The launch by Eoin warner at the Galway Atlantiquarium was a lovely event and Pádraic was in fine form and in his element.
onboard RV Celtic Mist
At the launch of Leabhar Blonaige na hÉireann
For Pádraic, one of our “great whales”, a song by Aileen Downes https://vimeo.com/492495814
A few weeks ago, in late June, at one of the President’s garden parties in the Áras, Micheal D. in his speech made a special reference to one person missing from the gathering of over 300 invited guests drawn from the marine and conservation sectors; that person was none other than Pádraic de Bhaldraithe, giving us a measure of this unassuming man.
Before he stood down due to failing health as Irish Language Officer he passed the gauntlet onto Cian Nilan, a young man from north Clare who he had met and encouraged to get involved with the IWDG. Always looking ahead, always helping. Cian has taken up this challenge and will ensure the IWDG continue to share our stories and campaigns in the Irish language and keep Padraics’ flame burning.
Pádraic will be greatly missed by us all, but he leaves such a legacy and influence and will be long remembered and never forgotten.
Condolences online at https://rip.ie/death-notice/padraic-de-bhaldraithe-galway-lettermullen-561879