Free Christmas posters
December 3, 2012
There are free A4 and A3 coloured Christmas posters available free of charge from the Ionad Buail Isteach (see links below). Send an email to ionadbuailisteach@gmail.com with your postal address if you wish to order any, or you are welcome to print them from your computer. Best wishes for the Christmas season and the new year.
Irish Language careers day success
December 3, 2012
OVER 300 students attended a recent Irish Language career day held in Maghera.
It was organised by Carntogher Community Association and pupils from Coláiste Phádraig, Machaire Rátha, Coláiste Naomh Pól, Cill Ria, Clochar Loreto, Cúil Raithin and Ardscoil Naomh Cholm, Baile na Scríne, all came together for the event.
There was a panel of guest speakers who each shared their own personal experience of working in the Irish language sector, as well as explained the many benefits of bilingualism; that by having two languages you have twice the chance of gaining employment.
The speeches covered the Irish language sector at a local level, the north of Ireland and also a national level. The speeches also included the Irish language at third level education, as well as in the media, business and entertainment sectors.
The guest speakers included, Leonne Ní Loinsigh, Irish language Development Officer for Carntogher and organiser of the event, Ursula Uí Dhonnaile, Líofa Development Officer, Síne Nic Ailí, Conradh na Gaeilge, Greg Toner from Queens University, Caitríona Nic Seoin, Executive Officer: Community and Business from Foras na Gaeilge, Antaine Ó Donnaile, Head of Irish Dept. BBC and also rap musician, sean nós and urban dance entrepreneur, Tura Arutura.
Tomaí Ó Conghaile, TV presenter on Imeall Geal, was excellent as Fear a’ Tí at the event.
“Fantastic! All the teenagers thoroughly enjoyed the Irish Language Careers Day,” said Susan Uí Mhianáin from Clochar Loreto, Cúil Raithin. “They found it extremely informative as well as inspirational. “It’s clear, there was a lot of work involved organising the event. It was a superb success!”
The information stalls in attendance at the event included; Siopa An Carn, Samhlaigh, Ciste Craoltóireachta Gaeilge, from NI Screen, Líofa from DCAL, Magherafelt District Council, Pobal, Meoin Eile, Conradh na Gaeilge, Foras na Gaeilge, Queen’s University Belfast, University of Ulster and St Mary’s University College.
Carntogher Community Association would like to thank all those involved who made the day a great success; everyone who helped set up for the event, Maghera Leisure centre staff, the schools, both teachers and pupils, the representatives from each of the stalls who travelled to the event, all the guest speakers and also the fear an tí. Carntogher Community Association would like to acknowledge.
Foras na Gaeilge who funded this event through Scéim Phobail Ghaeilge.
www.midulstermail.co.uk
Foilsithe 30 Samhain 2012
Supporting the language
December 3, 2012
Two points of view are possible regarding the state of Irish: you can talk about the revival of Irish or about the development of Irish. I prefer to talk about the development of Irish. Huge progress has been made with regard to the learning of Irish: schools have access to excellent teaching resources, like the materials produced by the Áisaonad in St. Mary’s University College in Belfast.
There are courses for adults, based on research, which are interesting, lively and modern. Unfortunately there is no course yet that does the whole job within two covers: you often have to go from one book to another to get an exact explanation. But there is a solution: I have been very busy recently: give me a couple of months. And, of course, we have the Internet. It helps the learner at every level.
I mention Internet resources frequently. And today I would like to point out a very worthwhile site: gaelport.com.
There is a wide range of material on the site. You get the latest news about the world of Irish- social and cultural events, Irish courses at home and abroad, Irish in the educational system, Irish in the state system, and Irish in everyday life. In ‘As na Nuachtáin’(From the Newspapers), you get news items in Irish and English concerning Irish- including material from the Derry Journal which is up there with the Irish Times, the Irish Independent, Foinse, Gaelscéal etc.! Vacancies for Irish speakers are published on the site also.
The site belongs to Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge and it is being developed continuously. The Comhdháil has an important role in the development of the language (not in the revival!). It is responsible for the ‘Fáinne’ scheme. It keeps a close watch on language rights and on the status of Irish. The organisation is not afraid to speak out.
In a pre-budget statement the Comhdháil ask the government to give consideration to questions concerning Irish and to support the Irish language and the Gaeltacht.
‘We demand that suitable resources should be made available in 2013 to build on the fine work being carried out by the voluntary sector for so long. We are not opposed to change, but it must be proven that any changes that are recommended will benefit Irish.’
www.derryjournal.com
Published 30 November 2012
