Mr Ó'Canáin had been involved in the promotion of Irish language and culture in the city and beyond for more than 50 years.

The decision to name the new state-of-the-art building after Mr Ó'Canáin was taken at the recent AGM of An Gaeláras.

Paying tribute to Mr Ó'Canáin, Gearóid Ó'hEára, the chief executive of An Gaeláras, said he had been an inspiration to the present generation of Gaeilgeorí and had provided a living link between the activists from the 1940s and 1950s and today.

Mr Ó'Canáin had been chairperson of An Gaelaras for many years right up to his death and had been involved in the early planning stages of the new building.

Culturlann Sheán Úí Chanáin will include a shop, a café and bistro, a 200 seat theatre and performance space, business incubation suites, classrooms and areas for Irish Language development projects.

Mr Ó'Canáin's wife Josephine and his son Conor were present at the announcement.