An Gaelchampas is mó sa tír le hoscailt i gCarraig Uí Laighin
July 9, 2010
Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam…
July 8, 2010
Whether he likes the title or not, Matt Nolan is Mullingar’s point of contact when it comes to Irish language and culture.
A fluent speaker, he is intimately involved with Mullingar’s Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann branch, and has played a leading role in furthering gaelscoil education in this part of the county. He is also a broadcaster, bringing snippets of local history ‘as Gaeilge’ to listeners of Raidió na Gaeltachta.
It’s a resumé fit for a native-speaking Gaelgóir, but what’s remarkable is that Matt has only been speaking Irish fluently for around twenty years.
Born on a farm in Ballygar, Co. Galway, Matt’s earliest memories of the rural life involve cutting turf, saving hay and bringing cattle to the fair.
“My people always had a huge interest in fishing,” he said. “I was reared on the banks of the River Suck, so I always had an interest in fishing myself,” Matt said. “I have great memories of catching bream, tench and roach. “Life was very simple in those days. We thought the Suck was something like the Danube!”
Matt attended both primary and secondary school in Ballygar – a town about the size of Kilbeggan – and went to work in forestry, before obtaining a dream job in the Inland Fisheries Trust. He became a fisheries officer, and worked on waters in Cavan, Monaghan; the canals of Dublin and Kildare, and as far afield as Cork and other parts of Munster.
“I always think that the Munster Blackwater is the greatest fishing water in the country,” he said. “It’s different to what you’d see in the Midlands. It runs through the middle of a rich Munster valley, with the Knockmealdown Mountains dominating the landscape. The river itself is rich, and full of the finest salmon and trout.”
One of Matt’s first postings with the Inland Fisheries Trust was in Cavan Town. “It was around the time of the Bloody Sunday incident, and there was a civil rights group in Cavan. After Bloody Sunday happened, I joined the group, and we went up to Derry and finished the march,” Matt said, describing his part in reaction of hundreds of Irish south of the border who were shocked at the massacre of thirteen people in Derry. “Of course, I didn’t realise the Gardaí were watching everybody going across the border!”
Relocated to Mullingar later that year, and here ever since, Matt started off as a junior fisheries officer locally. He now has responsibility for coordinating fisheries activities in the Upper Shannon region, working with angling and environmental groups in the Midlands.
Matt settled in well, and quickly became a part of the local community. He became very much involved with the Junior Chamber of Commerce, St. Dominick’s Community Council, and local sporting and cultural groups. He threw himself, body and soul, at Mullingar’s thriving Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann branch, augmenting his love of Irish culture, music and the language. But it wasn’t until his daughter, Irene – now a television personality with TG4 – attended the Gaeltacht in Connemara during her teens that Matt was driven to learn more about the Irish language.
It all started with a visit to the native Irish-speaking island of Inis Meáin, and Matt has not looked back since. “It was about twenty years ago, and I joined a course which was being run in Mullingar by Anne Harrington. I started listening to Raidió na Gaeltachta, and put a couple of programmes on tape. “I’d write them down then, using all sorts of dictionaries and translators, and broke down the programmes bit by bit until eventually, I had them learned off by heart.” One particular programme stuck in Matt’s mind: a series of interviews with renowned Connemara storyteller, the late Nan Tom Phaddy MacDiarmada. “I listen to everything she said, and eventually I knew everything she was saying, and I learned the various nuances of the language.” Matt returned to Connemara one weekend, and decided he would track down Nan and meet her. “Seeing as I knew every bit about her life and all the stories she told, I had to meet her,” Matt said. “I went up to the door of her house, and met her husband Tom. I didn’t really know what to say; so I just said, ‘Tá mé ag foghlaim Gaeilge’, and he asked me to come in. “I told Nan I had listened to her on the radio as I tried to learn Irish, and she was fascinated by that. So I gave her the tape, and for years after that our families became great friends.”
Going back and forth from Connemara to Ráth Cairn in Co. Meath, and after five or six years of intensive exposure to the language, Matt learned how to converse comfortably with native speakers. He is now trying his hand at French, although our native tongue is first and foremost in his affections.
After acclimatising himself to a new language, Matt joined a number of dedicated Mullingar Irish speakers in cultivating a love of Gaeilge here in north Westmeath. He was a member of the original Coiste Bunaithe (founding committee) for Gaelscoil an Mhuilinn, Mullingar. “Before the long the demand for Gaelscoil places was so much that people approached us about the possibility of getting a second school. The result was the Gaelscoil at Cullion, and it caters for around 110 kids. They recently won the All-Ireland Scoildrámaíocht competition, which was a great boost.”
It doesn’t stop there; Matt revealed he is also the chairman of a working group which is “scoping out” the establishment of an all-Irish secondary school for Mullingar. “We’re working with the Department of Education on a lot of feasibility stuff, and that should be concluded by 2011,” he said.
Even without a dedicated Irish secondary school in the town, Matt maintains that the standard of Irish teaching in Mullingar is “extraordinary”. “Both national and secondary schools in the area have very high standards of Irish teaching,” said the Galwayman. “My daughter Irene is now a presenter on TG4, and she came out of Loreto with excellent training in the language. I would go as far as saying that Irish teaching in Mullingar secondary schools is as good as any Gaeltacht school. We’re trying to add to that by setting up a school which will give people a choice to allow their children’s access secondary education through the medium of Irish.”
Matt is the Rúnaí (Secretary) of Áras an Mhuilinn, the new nerve centre for Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the organisation dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music, which was founded in Mullingar in 1951. “This regional centre is fantastic for Mullingar, where CCE was set up 60 years ago,” Matt said. “I’m delighted to see it open. Mullingar is to Comhaltas what Thurles is to the GAA, it’s the ‘tobar’ of Comhaltas, if you like. And the best thing is that all of the Comhaltas branches across Ireland and indeed across the world know how important Mullingar is to the organisation.”
Matt, who lives at Ballagh, Mullingar, is married to Rosemary. They have four children, and three grandchildren. When not keeping watch on the waters of the Upper Shannon region, or involving himself with Comhaltas, he is a keen GAA supporter, photographer, writer and broadcaster. A loyal Galway GAA follower who once played minor football for the Tribesmen, he also supports Cullion Hurling Club.
Whenever he gets a moment, he enjoys “real Ireland” photography. Matt is also the author of ‘Mullingar: Just for the Record’, a compendium of photographs and interviews with local characters, and a history of the Inland Fisheries Trust. He is currently working on a book detailing a 75 year history of the Gaeltacht in Ráth Cairn, and from time to time he contributes articles to respected journals and magazines.
Since becoming ‘líofa le Gaeilge’, Matt enjoys a regular spot on Raidió na Gaeltachta, where he discusses local history and other items. He will now be able to do this from a recording studio at Áras an Mhuilinn, which is to be permanently linked up with RnaG and RTÉ.
Westmeath Examiner
08 Iúil 2010
Gaelcholáiste Chill Dara achieves Permanent Recognition
July 7, 2010
Permanent Recognition was granted to Gael-Choláiste Chill Dara on July 5th, 2010. The school’s principal, Séamus Ó Ceanainn, extended his heartfelt thanks on behalf of the school community to Mary Coughlan, Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills and to Seán Ó Fearghaíl T.D for all they have done in order to bring about this fantastic news.
further information will be available on the school’s website: www.gccd.ie.
Open Night in Gaelscoil Ráth Tó
July 7, 2010
We will be having an open evening for the community of Ratoath about the school, on Wednesday 21st of July from 6.30 – 7.30pm and anyone is welcome to attend. It will give people a chance to familiarise themselves with the classroom of the school, as much of the furnishings and facilities will be in place by then and people can also meet with the school’s new teacher, Tricia Ní Mhaolagáin, on the night.
For details, see www.gaelscoilrathto.ning.com
Minister for Education approves site for Carrigaline’s Gaelcholáiste
July 7, 2010
Carrigaline is moving towards having an all-Irish secondary school (Gaelcholáiste) within a few years. The great news was received last weekend by the Gaelcholáiste’s steering committee from local TD Michael McGrath. Mr McGrath received a letter confirming the announcement from Mary Coughlan, Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science. Ms Coughlan has approved the purchase of a 21 acre site, which will accommodate a new Gaelcholáiste, a new primary school (possibly the relocating of the existing Gaelscoil) and a school for children with special needs.
The Gaelcholáiste will be located in Ballinrea, Carrigaline. The VEC has agreed to patron the Gaelcholáiste and has huge plans to develop state of the art facilities which will accommodate up to 700 students. If the existing gaelscoil decides to relocate, it will be the biggest Irish campus of its kind, with an all-Irish primary and secondary school along with a school for children with special needs on the one site.
PRO of the steering committee Adrian Breathnach is delighted with the news, “We are absolutely thrilled with this announcement. The committee has been working very hard for the last two years to make this a reality, Carrigaline has one of the biggest gaelscoils in the country, it only makes sense that there should be a secondary school through the medium of Irish.
The steering committee’s chairperson, Noel O’Regan, also welcomed the news and stated “the support from the parents from Carrigaline to Cobh, Douglas and Belgooly has been fantastic to date and with their continued backing we will aim to have the best Gaelcholáiste in the country for our pupils.”
According to Mr. O’Regan, “over 460 pupils have already applied in writing to enrol their children in the new school. This is a very clear sign that the parents and children of Carrigaline and surrounding primary schools want to be educated through the Irish language. Applications are welcome from parents of children attending both Irish and English speaking primary schools. Children coming from English speaking primary schools will be given extra help at the beginning of the school year if they require it. We will do our best to ensure our Gaelcholáiste will be open to all children in the area finishing their primary education.”
On behalf of the steering committee Mr O’Regan thanked all those involved in the project to date including Batt O’Keeffe, TD (during his term as Minister for Education), Barry Cogan, former TD and Barra O’Briain, Chairman of Cork VEC.
National and international research has indicated that children educated through two or more languages have better mental agility, communication skills, cultural awareness and are much more adept at picking up other languages in later years.
Anyone interested in the development of the school will find further details on our website www.gaelcholaistecarrigaline.net
New Gaelcholáiste for Carrigaline
July 7, 2010
After two years of campaigning the people of Carrigaline have great cause for celebration, with the announcement that provisional recognition has been granted for the new Gaelcholáiste, due to open its doors in 2012. The opening of this school will make it the biggest Irish campus of its kind, with an all-Irish primary and secondary school along with a school for children with special needs all on one site.
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. welcome the Department’s decision to purchase a 21 acre site for the school in Ballinrea, Carrigaline. The great news was received last weekend by the Gaelcholáiste’s founding committee from local TD Michael McGrath.
Bláthnaid ní Ghréacháin, C.E.O. of the organisation stated that “this is a very positive decision that ensures that parents and children in Carrigaline and the surrounding areas will have the opportunity to avail of Irish-medium education. GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. would like to congratulate the founding committee on their achievement and the Department of Education and Skills on recognising the need and parents’ demand for Irish-medium education”.
The VEC has agreed to patron the Gaelcholáiste and there are plans to develop the site so that it will have the facility to cater for up to 700 students. Over 460 pupils have already been enrolled by their parents in the new school, according to the founding committee’s chairman, Noel O’Regan, which confirms that Irish-medium education remains a very strong educational system of choice in the community. Applications are welcome from parents of children attending both Irish and English speaking primary schools. Children coming from English speaking primary schools will be given extra help at the beginning of the school year if they require it. “We will do our best to ensure our Gaelcholáiste will be open to all children in the area finishing their primary education” said Mr. O’Regan. On behalf of the founding committee Mr O’Regan thanked all those involved in the project to date including Batt O’Keeffe, TD (during his term as Minister for Education), Barry Cogan, former TD and Barra O’Briain, Chairman of Cork VEC.
Further information on the development of the school is available on their website, www.gaelcholaistecarrigaline.net and GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. will continue to support the school’s founding committee and County Cork VEC as they work towards the opening of the school in 2012.
Scoil na gCeithre Máistrí – Bliots Lár Tíre 2010
July 5, 2010
Gaelscoil de hÍde – Comórtas Iomána
July 5, 2010
Deeply concerned about Colaiste na Coiribe move
July 2, 2010
A Chara,
I am a parent, a resident of Renmore and an enthusiast of the Irish language. I am deeply disappointed that there are plans afoot to relocate this school (Coláiste na Coiribe) to the western suburbs. The residential areas to the east of the city now feel completely abandoned by the educational system.
In Galway city, second level education has become increasingly polarised over the past five to six years. Middle class parents appear to be involved in a mad scramble to get their children into the schools that are the best performing schools, according to the league tables. League table success leads to more league table success, as the elite youngsters gravitate towards the top performing schools.
Colaiste na Coiribe has achieved success according to this (limited) measure. It is a selective school because of the demand for places.
Despite my misgivings about the management of the school, I admire what has been achieved with limited resources. I had planned to send my own children, as they are currently attending Gaelscoil Dara, here in Renmore. Colaiste na Coiribe is within walking distance of Renmore. I was bitterly disappointed to hear that the school is to be moved to the west of the city, not only for myself but also for the neighbourhoods in the east of the city.
The west of the city is extremely well serviced by secondary schools. Salthill has Salerno (girls), Dominican Convent (girls) and Colaiste Einne (co-ed with Irish stream). Also to the west of the city is St Mary’s College (boys). The Jes (co-ed with Irish stream) and St Joseph’s College are in the western section of the city centre. The Mercy Convent is in the city centre. Apart from Colaiste na Coiribe, the only school to the east of the city is Moneennageisha Community School.
It is true that Knocknacarra (the proposed new location for Colaiste na Coiribe) lacks a secondary school, but, at least, there are a variety of secondary schools within a radius of a mile and a half to two miles.
Knocknacarra is only eight miles from An Spideal, which has a co-ed lán ghaeilge secondary school and only eleven miles from Coláiste Cholmcille, Indreabhan, a co-ed vocational school.
In the current economic climate, I am asking politicians, both councillors and politicians, to take a fresh look at this crazy proposal. Children in the east of Galway city are as entitled to a choice of state schools as those in the west of the city.
Yours,
A concerned parent
Letter to the Editor, Galway Independent
Scoil Raifteirí – Tráth na gCeist
July 1, 2010
