Native Irish speaker from the Gaeltacht area of Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal, Padraig O Cearuill is the Language Lecturer of Irish Studies at New York University. As a professor of Irish, O Cearuill inspires interest in the difficult language that, despite its lack of practical application, is increasing in popularity.

For Irish studies students at NYU's Glucksman Ireland House, Padraig's classes have an almost cult-like following. Incorporating various aspects of Irish culture with a strong emphasis on learning through songs and music, O Cearuill's classes spark an interest not just in the language but in all Irish cultural traditions. The classes not only attract Irish-Americans but students from many other cultural backgrounds.

Padraig's connection to his students has not gone unnoticed and in 2002 he was awarded the Golden Dozen Teaching Award based on students' response to the NYU College of Arts and Science Student Council Evaluation forms. He holds degrees not only in Irish but in History and Education. O Cearuill came to NYU in 1995 as the Irish Language Lecturer and soon earned a second master's degree in Communication and Culture.

Aside from his busy teaching schedule O Cearuill finds time to work as an occasional correspondent for Irish media including RTE, Telefs na Gaeltachta and BBC Northern Ireland. Padraig is also active in the traditional Irish folk music community as a singer and consultant for artists translating lyrics or struggling with pronunciation.

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