Seamus Blake
The Irish Americans: Irish Studies
Emanating out of Keating Hall on the Bronx Fordham University campus every Saturday morning for the past 17 years is the only bilingual radio program in North America devoted to fostering the Irish language. Called Míle Fáilte, the show is the brainchild of its sole producer and host, Dr. Seamus Blake.
A noted literary scholar in Irish Studies, retired now from active teaching, Blake’s thematic programs are artfully blended with Irish language music recordings. He uses a touch of sardonic wit to keep things light while maintaining focus and depth.
Blake’s parents Patrick and Mary were Gaelic speakers from County Clare. Their love of the language engendered Blake’s lifetime devotion to Irish Studies. He earned master’s and doctorate degrees from New York University, and as a Yeats scholar, attended Trinity College on a Fulbright scholarship. He was a faculty member at NYU, Nassau Community College on Long Island and City University of New York.
Once active in the Gaelic Society of New York, Blake plays a vital role today in promoting Irish language learning through Daltaí na Gaeilge and other programs stimulating the growing Irish-speaking community in North America and Ireland.
