Council Chair opens Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations
‘Seachtain na Gaeilge’, the annual celebration of the Irish language, has been launched in Mid Ulster by the Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Eugene McConnell at the Burnavon, Cookstown.
Seachtain na Gaeilge is a national and international Language festival which takes place every year all over Ireland and further afield, and this year, the Mid Ulster events happening throughout the month of March include historical talks, music and entertainment to suit all ages.
The festival encourages everyone to give Irish a go and to learn more about the rich Gaelic heritage that’s all around.
Chair of the Council, Councillor Eugene McConnell spoke at the launch saying,
“Seachtain na Gaeilge is an accessible way for the local community to get involved with and celebrate the Irish language, and I encourage everyone to attend the many events on offer throughout the district.
“For the more fluent Irish speaker, it’s a great chance to use and improve their Irish speaking and listening ability. It’s also a fantastic chance for anyone considering taking up the Irish language to go ahead and give it a go! Molaim do dhuine ar bith ar spéis leo an Ghaeilge a fhoghlaim stróiceadh leis nó léi agus triail a bhaint aisti!”
Dr Niall Comer, Lecturer in the School of Irish Language and Literature at Ulster University Magee Campus and also a former President of Conradh na Gaeilge provided an insightful speech on the Irish Language Revival from the late 1800s to the present day during the launch, and pupils of Gaelscoil Eoghain, Cookstown completed performances of Irish language songs and poetry, with Irish traditional music also provided by Donal Canavan and members of the Cookstown Folk Club.
The launch was attended by local councillors, community Irish Language Officers from the local area, pupils, staff and governors of Gaelscoil Eoghain, Cookstown, lecturers and students of Ulster University’s Diploma in Irish Language, attendees of The Burnavon’s ‘Irish Language Social Group’ as well as local Irish language enthusiasts.
During Seachtain na Gaeilge, events to suit all ages and stages of proficiency will take place throughout the district, starting on Friday past at An Carn, Maghera, with ‘Oíche Comhrá, Cultúr, Ceol and Craic – A Night of Culture Music and Craic’, and which will conclude locally on Friday 21 March in the Square Box, Ranfurly House, Dungannon when Tempest take to the stage. Featuring an exciting line-up of Brendan Mulholland, Blaithín Mhic Cana, Aaron O’ Hagan and Luke Ward, they are already regarded as a vibrant exponent of traditional Irish music and song.
Other events in the coming weeks include an exhibition of the history of Conradh na Gaelilge in the Burnavon, Cookstown from Tuesday 4 – Sunday 30 March; an Irish Language Conversation Circle at the Millcourt, Coalisland (6 March); and cultural evenings at Ballyronan Marina (8 March) and at Todd’s Leap (15 March)
For a comprehensive list of events throughout March, visit Gaeilge Lár Uladh on Facebook or contact the Council’s Irish Language Officers by emailing gaeilge@midulstercouncil.org or telephoning 03000 132 132.