Páraic Breathnach

Páraic Breathnach (born 1956) is an Irish actor, performer, writer and storyteller.

Early life and education

A fluent Irish speaker, Páraic grew up in Carna, County Galway. As a student in University of Galway, he was deeply involved with An Cumann Drámaíochta and Dramsoc, where he teamed up with Ollie Jennings in a series of cultural initiatives in and out of college.

Career

Breathnach worked with An Taibhdhearc and Druid Theatres and became the first manager of Galway Arts Centre, before co-founding Mácnas with Ollie Jennings. He has appeared in several major Irish films throughout the years, including Michael Collins and Breakfast on Pluto. A frequent contributor to TG4, he also played the character of Jacksie Walsh on RTÉ's Killinaskully.

He has also been the managing director of the Galway Arts Center.{{cite news|url= http://www.galwayindependent.com/entertainment/entertainment/new-managing-director-at-galway-arts-centre/ |title=New managing director at Galway Arts Centre |newspaper=Galway Independent |author=Lisa Regan |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080828172901/http://www.galwayindependent.com/entertainment/entertainment/new-managing-director-at-galway-arts-centre/ |archivedate=2008-08-28 }} In 2005, he was awarded an honorary degree from NUI Galway "for his immense contribution to cultural life in Galway and Ireland".[http://www.nuigalway.ie/about-us/news-and-events/news-archive/2005/october2005/nui-galway-to-honour-three-individuals-for-their-contributions-to-the-arts.html NUI Galway to honour three individuals for their contributions to the Arts], NUI Galway, 17 October 2005