Book Launch of Lafcadio Hearn’s stories (first translation in Irish)

June 2019

To mark the publication of the first ever Irish Translation of Patrick Lafcadio Hearn's Japanese Folklore 'Sayonara' (book in Irish and English), there was an official launch event held in the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Gardens in Tramore, Co. Waterford.

Prof. Mary Gallagher (School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics & Chair, UCD Asia-Pacific Research Network) and Assoc. Prof. Naonori Kodate (School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice & Co-Chair, UCD Japan Group) were invited, and gave a speech. Two visiting professors at UCD (Prof. Fuyu Kawasaki, UCD Smurfit School of Business / Takachiho University & Prof. Seiichiro Fujii, UCD Geary Institute for Public Policy / Daitobunka University) also took part in the launch.

The original English text in the book was translated into Irish by Derry-born Irish language speaker Pádraig Mac Cearáin. Clare McCay, who was born in Japan, contributed to the translation by her series of beautiful illustrations which accompany the text in the book. The project was led by Junko Okura, secretary of the North West Japanese Cultural Group based in Derry, Northern Ireland.

There was also a special performance by the 5th class children of Gaelscoil Philib Barún in Tramore. You can listen to Director of the Gardens, Ms Agnes Ayleward’s radio interview (WLR FM) which was recorded ahead of the launch.
(opens in a new window)https://www.wlrfm.com/2019/06/12/listen-back-an-irish-language-book-is-to-be-launched-at-the-lafcadio-hearn-gardens/

Assoc. Prof. Naonori Kodate (School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice; Co-Chair, UCD Japan Group) delivering speech on behalf of Prof. Gallagher.

5th class children of Gaelscoil Philib Barún, Tramore.