Paraic Breathnach

Páraic Breathnach, born in 1956, is a distinguished Irish actor, writer, performer, and storyteller hailing from Carna, County Galway. A fluent speaker of Irish, he immersed himself in the performing arts during his time at University of Galway, where he actively participated in An Cumann Drámaíochta and Dramsoc. It was here that he collaborated with Ollie Jennings on various cultural projects both within and beyond the university.

Breathnach's extensive career includes pivotal roles with prominent local theatre companies such as An Taibhdhearc and Druid Theatre. He played a significant role in establishing the Galway Arts Centre, serving as its first manager, and later co-founding the innovative arts organization Mácnas alongside Jennings. His filmography features notable appearances in acclaimed Irish films, including "Michael Collins" and "Breakfast on Pluto." Additionally, he gained recognition for his portrayal of Jacksie Walsh in the popular RTÉ series "Killinaskully," and he is a regular contributor to TG4, further enriching the Irish cultural landscape.

In recognition of his substantial impact on the cultural fabric of Galway and Ireland, Breathnach was honored with an honorary degree from NUI Galway in 2005. His passion for the arts and commitment to promoting Irish culture continue to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike.