St Patrick's College, Maynooth The centenary of the foundation of Cumann na Sagart was marked by Mass celebrated by Archbishop Eamon Martin in St Joseph’s Oratory in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. The homilist was Bishop Philip Boyce (Raphoe) and music was provided by the parish choir from RathCairn, Contae na Mí.
The first meeting of Cumann na Sagart was held during the Maynooth Union of 1916 at which Fr Tomás de Bhall (Limerick) was elected president. Cumann na Sagart provides support for priests and religious who serve Gaeltacht communities and Irish speakers around the country. Resources include Gáirdín an Anama, An Bíobla Naofa and An Leabhar Aifrinn (a new edition of which will soon be launched).
Developments from the Holy Ghost Hymnal, through to the work of Seán Ó Riada in 1967, has allowed sacred music to benefit from new Irish language texts provided by composers including Peadar Ó Riada, John O’Keeffe, Máire Ní Dhuibhir, Ronan McDonagh, Fr Pat Ahern, Fintan O’Carroll and Nóirín Ní Riain.
