Introducing the Intangible Cultural Heritage Award

Recently Tánaiste Micheál Martin launched the “Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh – Gradam Dúchais” (Intangible Cultural Heritage Award) at a ceremony at the Cork Camogie Grounds. The new Heritage Council award, dedicated to the beloved Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) commentator Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, celebrates groups that inspire a greater appreciation of Ireland’s living traditions, customs, and heritage practices. This year’s inaugural award went to the Maharees Conservation Association in County Kerry for their National Heritage Week currach-making demonstration—a skill passed down through five generations of the O'Leary family, whose traditional craft has helped to shape and sustain their community.

The award highlights the importance of cultural heritage, a sentiment deeply valued by Irish communities. Recent Heritage Council research confirms that people consider Ireland’s cultural heritage—such as storytelling, GAA, and language preservation—essential. As the voice of GAA for decades, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh’s storytelling has brought Ireland’s culture to life, and this award pays tribute to his legacy by honoring projects that preserve and celebrate these cherished practices.

During the event, the Tánaiste spoke of Ó Muircheartaigh’s role in Irish culture: “There is scarcely an individual in the country who could represent the richness of our cultural heritage more than the great Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh,” he said. “The sound of his voice provides, for many, a backdrop for times now past, offering a window into our culture—our language, our national games, storytelling, and a sense of where we come from.”

Heritage Council Chief Executive Virginia Teehan echoed the Tánaiste's sentiments, noting the award’s relevance in encouraging communities to embrace and preserve their local heritage. She emphasized that Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh’s name carries a profound connection to Ireland’s traditions. Though Ó Muircheartaigh lived much of his life in Dublin, his roots in West Kerry are unmistakable—a testament to the lasting bond between heritage and community.

The Maharees Conservation Association’s award-winning currach-making event, part of 2024’s National Heritage Week, is among several honoured this year, including the Wild Child Event Award, Water Heritage Day Award, and the Sustainability and Climate Award. These awards celebrate events across themes such as natural heritage, inclusive practices, and climate awareness. Additionally, the Heritage Hero Award recognizes individuals or organizations with an enduring impact on heritage preservation, based on public nominations.

The Maharees Conservation Association and other honourees will be celebrated on November 15th at the National Heritage Week awards ceremony at Dublin’s Irish Museum of Modern Art. The awards underscore the importance of heritage as a living, breathing part of Irish society, resonating in the practices, skills, and language that define Ireland’s unique identity. By honouring Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh’s lifelong dedication to cultural heritage, the new Gradam Dúchais award exemplifies the impact of preserving Ireland’s rich traditions for future generations.

Find out more about this year's awards here