Ó FATHARTA, Pádraig

Title

Ó FATHARTA, Pádraig

Identifier

VHPG0003

firstName

Pádraig

familyName

Ó Fatharta

birth name

Pádraig Ó Fatharta

Bio-note

Pádraig Ó Fatharta was Head Porter from 1958 to 1969 and Porter (1969-1988)

Biography

Pádraig Ó Fatharta was born in Moore village, Inis Meáin, Co. Galway. Picture 1 shows the cottage where he was reared. He started work in U.C.G. in 1958, taking over from Paddy Higgins, who had retired as Porter. He lived in the Archway from 1958 to 1969, being the last resident there, and occupied the position of Head Porter. Apart from being custodian of the Colleges’ keys, he also carried the University Mace at academic and conferring ceremonies. Eamon Canny, ex Gárda, took over his position in 1969 (Peter Faherty, private communication) and occupied the position until 1977, when Pádraig’s son Peadar took over the position. Pádraig Ó Fatharta moved to live in Woodquay in 1969 and continued as Porter in the University before retiring in 1988. Picture 2 shows the occasion of his retirement in the President’s Drawing Room showing from left to right: Dr. Colm Ó hEocha, President; Padraig Ó Fatharta; Peter Faherty (Pádraig’s son); John Sweeney; and Prof. Pat Fottrell

References

Personal Communication: Peter Faherty, via interview on 17 Apr. 2024

Bibliographic Citation

P. Faherty, S.G. Jennings, ‘Pádraig Ó Fatharta’, Visual History Retired Staff Collection, University of Galway Digital Collection, Asset Id 14925, Archival Record Id VHRS

Key Words

Head Porter

Porter

Language

English

Irish

Publisher

University of Galway Library

Item