Alf MacLochlainn
Alf MacLochlainn (30 July 1926 - 8 December 2018) was an Irish librarian and Director of the National Library of Ireland.
[10] He married Fionnuala Ní Riain, Irish singer who most notably sang ‘Taim Breoite Go Leor’ in 1976.
[12] She recorded songs with Gael Linn alongside women like Máire Ní Scolaí and Marjorie Courtney in a collection called Amhrain na Grá.
[17] Following his Masters, in 1949 Alf MacLochlainn was hired by the National Library of Ireland in the position of Assistant Librarian.
[18] Alf MacLochlainn held various positions during his tenure at the National Library, from Assistant Keeper of Manuscripts in 1963,[19] and then deputy director.
[24][25] Subsequent to his retirement, Alf MacLochlainn accepted a position as the Burns Library Visiting Scholar in Irish Studies at Boston College for the 1991-1992 Academic year.
[27] Finally, Alf MacLochlainn was also actively engaged with various committees, serving as trustee of the Chester Beatty Library,[1] chair of the James Joyce Institute of Ireland, and a member of the board of directors of the Irish Film Theatre.
[28] As part of the Galway Labour History Group, MacLochlainn gave lectures on Walter Macken[29] in 1990 and a tribute to Eileen Costello[30] in 1999.
MacLochlainn also edited a publication of the Galway Labour History Party titled The Emigrant Experience, published in 1991.
Maclochlainn's article detailed the history of the Claddagh Piscatory School and its role in early education and teaching English.
[36] MacLochlainn served on this committee which aided in the expansion of Irish culture outside of Ireland and advising the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
[15] At his funeral service, current president of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, delivered a commemorative speech.
[19] MacLochlainn also published a pamphlet entitled Writers, Raconteurs and Notable Feminists: Two Monographs, based on a lecture given by Andrée Sheehy-Skeffington at the library.
[46] MacLochlainn was a lyricist and many of his songs, poems, and ballads are available to view in the National Library of Ireland's collections.
