Lámh Bhriain na Banban celebrates the cultural connection between Clare and Brian Ó hUigínn (1882-1963), inspired by Rachel Uí Fhaoláin’s research into the songbooks of An tAthair Pádruig Breathnach (1904-1926). Through The Lost Art of Handwriting workshops, Rachel engaged residents of St. Dominic Savio Nursing Home and pupils of Liscannor National School with a Christmas-themed verse by Ó hUigínn from Breathnach’s collections.

Marking the centenary of An tAthair Breathnach’s final publication in 1926, and encouraging handwritten communication between generations at key points in the Irish calendar, Rachel created An Fuiseoigín, a new collection of postcards published by her family press, fóġṁar. The title is inspired by a series associated with Breathnach; a third publication of the same name was advertised but no copies have ever been found.

The postcards include QR codes linking to Rachel’s recording of Christmas Eve, sung to the traditional air of An Buachaill Caol Dubh as intended by Breathnach. The project also draws on Rachel’s research into Ó hUigínn’s publications, including a collection of his cards held by the National Library of Ireland, and explores the significance of his ephemera for communities in Clare and beyond.

A limited-edition collection of An Fuiseoigín Christmas postcards will be available free of charge through Clare Libraries from 1-22 December 2026.

Click here for more information

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.