Cathal Ó Háinle, b. 1940

Track 1: Background in Ballinahown, Co. Westmeath. Early education and the influence of his father, Tomás, a schoolteacher with a lifelong affinity for Irish culture. Track 2: St Patrick’s College Maynooth to study for the priesthood. Discussion of his formation years and his studies in linguistics and literature. After ordination and conferring of BA and BD, he was sent to University College Dublin for further study and subsequently to Germany. Returning to Maynooth in 1967, he was appointed to the post of Professor of Modern Irish, which he held for ten years. Discusses the major changes in college life during this time. Track 3: His decision to leave the priesthood and his consequent dismissal from his college post. His successful application to Trinity College Dublin for appointment as lecturer in Irish in 1977. Comparing his experiences of life in both collegiate institutions. Track 4: The history of his Department, his colleagues, the courses of study undertaken by students, and changes to the curriculum under his direction. Track 5: Reminisces about many aspects of college life, including leisure activities.