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
Gaelscoil ag teagasc i dteach tabhairne
November 30, 2012
Rinne oifigeach sa Roinn Oideachais cur sios ar Gaelscoil Bharra i gCabrach, Baile Átha Cliath mar an ‘scoil a thit idir na scoilteanna’ trath agus é ag gabhail leithscéil mar gheall ar iarratas ón scoil ar fhoirgneamh a bheith caillte ar feadh cúig bliana.
Ach anois tá an scoil – deich seomra réamhdhéanta i dtoghcheantair an iarThaoisigh, Bertie Ahern – i bhfíor droch-chaoi agus imní ar an bpríomhoide ansin faoi shábháilteacht a leanaí.
Cúpla seachtain ó shin, baineadh an díon de sheomra Rang 6 agus anois tá na daltaí sin i mbun ranga i dtigh tabhairne trasna an bhóthair ón scoil.
“Is cinnte go bhfuil sé scannalach sa bhliain 2012 go mbeadh daltaí ag dul ar scoil i dtigh tabhairne – ach níl an dara rogha againn,” a dúirt Seán Ó Donnghaile le Gaelscéal.
I mí Mhárta na bliana seo, d’fhogair an tAire Oideachais, Ruairi Quinn, go mbeadh foirgneamh nua ag an scoil faoi Mheán Fhómhair 2015 , toradh faoi dheireadh ar an stocaireacht a thosaigh le ceist Dála ó Tony Gregory in 1999.
An bhuairt atá ar Sheán Ó Donnghaile anois nach seasfaidh na seomraí réamhdhéanta go dtí 2015.
Is maith an rud é nach bhfuil sé ag baisteach. An radharc ó dheasca i seomra Ranga 6 i nGaelscoil Bharra tar éis gur thit an díon den fhoirgneamh réamhdhéanta le déanaí.
Is maith an rud é nach bhfuil sé ag baisteach. An radharc ó dheasca i seomra Ranga 6 i nGaelscoil Bharra tar éis gur thit an díon den fhoirgneamh réamhdhéanta le déanaí.
“Scéal fada é feachtas Ghaelscoil Bharra d’fhoirgneamh nua – chasamar le triúr Thaoiseach agus chaill an Roinn Oideachais comhad iarratais na scoile ar feadh cúig bliana,” a dúirt sé.
“Anois tá na seomraí réamhdhéanta seo i bhfíor-drochstaid agus tá imní orainn i bhfirinne go mbeidh siad scriosta agus, mar bharr air sin, tá imní orainn go bhfuil siad dainséarach dár bpáistí.”
Tá an tUasal Ó Donnghaile ag súil go gcuirfear breis luais faoin bpróiséas chun foirgneamh nua a fháil dá scoil. Tá clár ag an Roinn Oideachais chun tógáil scoileanna a bhrostú.
Faoin gclár seo tugann an Roinn conradh do chonraitheoir amháin chun sé nó seacht gcinn de scoileanna a thogáil chomh fada agus go dtógtar iad laistigh de sprioc-am ar leith. Má sháraíonn an conraitheoir an sprioc ama sin, gearrtar fíneálacha substaintiúla air.
“Deirtear linn go bhfuil an scoil ag déanamh dul chun cinn sa phróiseas agus go bhfuilimid ag Céim 3 nó 4 agus go mbeidh an scoil nua againn don scoilbhliain 2015/16, ach ní fheicim aon chúis nach mbeadh sé réidh níos luaithe ná sin, abair in Eanáir 2014.”
Tá 220 dalta ag freastal ar Ghaelscoil Bharra agus tá daréag múinteoirí ag múineadh ann.
Is féidir tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoin scoil ag http://gaelscoilbharra.net/stair.htm
Concubhar Ó Liatháin, Gaelscéal.
28 Samhain, 2012
An Taibhdhearc Saturday Shows for families
November 30, 2012
Starting this weekend, An Taibhdhearc will host a season of monthly ‘Saturday Shows’ for children and families, starting with Branar Téatar do Pháistí’s An Seanfhear Beag.
An Seanfhear Beag takes place this Saturday at 11am and 1pm. It is based on The Story of the Little Old Man by Swedish author Barbro Lindgren, and adapted and translated by Marc MacLochlainn, artistic director of Branar Téatar do Pháistí.
An Seanfhear Beag is about the friendship between a lonely old man and a dog no one wanted, told through puppets and live music. The puppets were created by Suse Reibisch and the music was composed by Morgan Cooke. The show was created with the support of The Arts Council. Bjarne Sandborg of Denmark’s Teatre Refleksion was artistic adviser on the project.
The show has already enjoyed critical acclaim. Irish Theatre Magazine said: “This is magic of a high order…It is breathtakingly serene.”
An Seanfhear Beag is suitable for ages six to 10. Tickets are €5 from An Taibhdhearc on 091 – 562024. See www.branar.ie
www.advertiser.ie/galway
Foilsithe ar 29 Samhain 2012
Smaoineamh ar Ghaelscoil i gceantar Dílseachta
November 30, 2012
Tá grúpa pobail ag smaoineamh ar naíscoil nó bunscoil lánGhaeilge a oscailt i gceantar Dílseachta in oirthear Bhéal Feirste amach anseo.
“Níl a fhios againn cén uair a tharlóidh sé ach tá muid ag caint faoi faoi láthair,” arsa Linda Ervine, Oifigeach Gaeilge le Misean Bhéal Feirste Thoir ar Bhóthar Bhaile Nua na hArda.
Tá an grúpa i mbun cainte leis an Roinn Oideachais maidir le maoiniú le haghaidh grúpa tuismitheoirí agus leanaí faoi láthair agus tá sé mar aidhm acu naíscoil a fhorbairt as amach anseo.
“Ba mhaith linn go mbeadh na páistí mar chuid den obair atá ar bun againn. Tá muid ag smaoineamh ar ghrúpa tar éis na scoile do thuismitheoirí agus páistí ina mbeadh na páistí ag foghlaim amhrán agus eile i nGaeilge.
”Má éiríonn leis, d’fhéadfaí Gaelscoil a oscailt chomh maith. Moladh amháin atá acu ná go mbeadh sé roinnte idir an pobal Dílseachta agus an pobal Náisiúnach sa Trá Ghearr.“Tá muid lánsásta glacadh le smaointe nua,” arsa Ervine. “Tá sé ag brath ar éileamh agus caithfidh an t-éileamh a theacht ón bpobal.”
“Níl muid ach ag tosú amach anseo, ach is mar sin a thosaigh an Chultúrlann in Iarthar Bhéal Feirste agus b’fhéidir gur amhlaidh a bheidh sé anseo.”
Deir sí go bhfuil freagraí éagsúla faighte ar ais aici ó Aontachtóirí ó thosaigh sí ag léiriú spéise sa Ghaeilge.
“Bhí mé ag caint le déanaí le Gavin Robinson, Méara Bhéal Feirste, agus labhair sé Gaeilge liom. Labhair mé le Peter Robinson le déanaí chomh maith ach bhí sé naimhdeach. Dúirt sé gur dearnadh polaitiú ar an teanga. Dúirt mé leis gurb é sin an fáth gur cheart do pháirtithe ar nós an DUP suim a léiriú ann chun deireadh a chur leis sin.”
“Tá díomá orm faoin bhfreagra a fuair mé ó scoileanna agus ó eaglais sa cheantar. Bhí siad báúil iad féin ach bhí eagla an domhain orthu faoin dearcadh a bheadh ag tuismitheoirí agus ag pobal na n-eaglaisí i leith na teanga.”
Dar léi, tá imní ar roinnt daoine go mbeidh Aontachtóirí níos báúla do dhearcadh polaitiúil Uile-Éireannach má fhoghlaimíonn siad Gaeilge, ach go léiríonn daoine ar nós Ian Malcolm agus Ian Adamson gur féidir le Gaeilgeoirí a bheith ina nAontachtóirí láidre.
“Tá roinnt daoine i mo chlann féin nach bhfuil róthógtha leis chomh maith.Ach é sin ráite ar fad, is é an freagra is coitianta atá faighte agam ná go bhfuil spéis ag daoine ann agus go síleann siad gur cuid dá n-oidhreacht a séanadh orthu atá ann.”
Is í Linda Ervine bean chéile Brian Ervine, deartháir an dílseora David Ervine. Chuir sí suim sa teanga agus í ag glacadh páirte i ngrúpa trasphobail le daoine ón Trá Ghearr.
“Cuireadh cúrsa Gaeilge sé seachtainí ar fáil dúinn. Rud a bhí spéisiúil ná nár chuir na daoine ón Trá Ghearr spéis sa chúrsa, bhí níos mó suime acu sa Bhainis Ríoga a bhí ar siúl.”
Treisíodh an spéis a bhí aici sa teanga nuair a fuair sí amach anuraidh go raibh Gaeilge ag a seantuismitheoirí de réir Dhaonáirimh 1911. Tá sí fostaithe ag an Misean le maoiniú ó Fhoras na Gaeilge. Thosaigh cúrsa Gaeilge saor in aisce san ionad Dé Céadaoin seo caite agus bhí 20 duine i láthair. Tá 55 duine in iomlán ag freastal ar ranganna Gaeilge san ionad.Dar léi, níl an naimhdeas glan atá ag polaiteoirí Aontachtacha i leith na Gaeilge ionadaíoch ar an spéis atá i measc an phobail.
www.gaelsceal.ie
Foilsithe ar 28 Samhain 2012
Reduction in Status for An Chomhairle Um Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta
November 29, 2012
Eagraíocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta Teo. and GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. express disappointment at the reduction in status for An Chomhairle Um Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta.
The steering committees of Eagraíocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta Teo. and Gaelscoileanna Teo. acknowledge that the two organisations ran an excellent joint conference, themed ‘Féinmheastóireacht, Forbairt, Feabhas– Self-assessment, Development, Excellence’, in the Ardilaun Hotel in Galway last Friday. More than 300 people attended the conference, the most to ever attend an Irish-medium educational conference to date. First class workshops were provided for the participants as well as comprehensive information regarding resources available through Irish from companies that had stands at the conference.
The participants and all the schools were taken aback when the General Secretary of the Department of Education and Skill, Seán Ó Foghlú, announced that An Chomhairle Um Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) was to be integrated with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). The two organisations are highly disappointed that the Department is planning this and are certain that this decision will take from COGG’s ability to function as an independent entity and as an organisation that functions completely through the medium of Irish. Speaking on behalf of Eagraíocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta Teo. Treasa Ní Mhainín, Chief Executive of the organisation, said, “it is evident that the Department of Education and Skills is not applying the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language by implementing this reduction in status. The Strategy mentions that the appropriate staff and resources will be made available to the Comhairle in order to allow it fulfil its duties but it is evident that the Department is not fulfilling its own duties regarding the Strategy in this case.” It is also mentioned in the plan that COGG ‘will play a key role in the implementation of the Strategy in the education sector’. How can COGG have such a key role if the Department of Education is reducing its powers?
It will be a big challenge for the schools not being able to do all their business with COGG through the medium of Irish. This will be impossible when COGG will be merged with the NCCA, where most of the staff that work there don’t speak Irish fluently. This even illustrates that there won’t be any financial saving as COGG will still have to do all its own administration.
“It is the schools that will be negatively impacted when there is a danger that the status of COGG will be further reduced over the following years and, therefore, that the same supply of resources won’t be available to schools that are teaching through the medium of Irish. Even though the amount of resources through Irish for these schools have improved they always need to be added to and as the curriculum changes further resources will be needed”, according to Máirín Ní Chéileachair, President of Gaelscoileanna Teo.
The two organisations will be fighting strongly against this decision on behalf of the schools that are teaching through Irish. Of the proposals regarding COGG that is made in the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language it is strongly recommended that ‘measures will be taken to progress the
development of the Irish language education resource centre in Baile Bhuirne, Co Cork’. The Department of Education and Skills are doing the opposite to supporting COGG and we must take a stance against that.
ENDS
More information:
Gaelscoileanna Teo. – Nóra Ní Loingsigh, Acting Chief Executive, 087-6737560 / Máirín Ní Chéileachair, President, 087-2861655
Eagraíocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta Teo. Treasa Ní Mhainín, Chief Executive ag 087-6777140.
Editor’s note
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. is the coordinating body for Irish-medium schools. It provides motivation, assistance and practical support to parents and local communities who wish to found new schools and it operates to support the schools that are already established.
Eagraíocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta Teo. is the only educational organisation working nationally to provide support and advice as well as campaigning for Gaeltacht schools at primary and post-primary level.
Bliain na Gaeilge seolta
November 29, 2012
Scaoileadh 120 balún san aer san Fhaiche Mhór Dé Domhnaigh seo caite ag Spraoi sa Phobal agus Bliain na Gaeilge 2013 á seoladh agus 120 bliain d’athbheochan na Gaeilge á cheiliúradh.
Cuireadh tús le hathbheochan na Gaeilge in 1893 le bunú Chonradh na Gaeilge, agus tá sé mar aidhm ag Bliain na Gaeilge na mílte deis úsáide Gaeilge a chur ar fáil don 2 mhilliún duine a deir go bhfuil an teanga acu sa lá atá inniu ann. Bhí seoltaí ar Bhliain na Gaeilge ar bun i nDoire, i Maigh Eo; i gContae an Chláir, i mBéal Feirste agus in ionad siopadóireachta na Faiche Móire, Gaillimh.
Dúirt Baba Ní Fhlatharta, Oifigeach Forbartha le Conradh na Gaeilge, “Tá sí mar aidhm ag Bliain na Gaeilge an pobal a ghríosú agus a chumasú chun an Ghaeilge a úsáid.
Táimid ag iarraidh ar gach duine úsáid a bhaint as an nGaeilge lena gcuid cairde, gaolta, comhghleacaithe agus eile i 2013, páirt a ghlacadh sna comórtais a bheidh á reáchtáil do Bhliain na Gaeilge, agus páirt a ghlacadh sna himeachtaí éagsúla a luaitear ar www.gaeilge2013.ie.”
Tá breis agus 50 eagraíocht teanga agus chultúir ó cheann ceann na tíre ag glacadh páirte sa togra teanga tábhachtach seo agus is féidir teacht ar a thuilleadh eolais maidir leis an togra ar www.gaeilge2013.ie, www.facebook.com/gaeilge2013 nó ar Twitter @gaeilge2013.
www.advertiser.ie/galway
Foilsithe ar 29 Samhain 2012
Bord nua an Údaráis
November 29, 2012
Tá Dairíona Nic an Iomaire, Príomhoide Ghaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh, Cnoc na Cathrach ainmnithe ar Bhord nua Údarás na Gaeltachta, Bord a d’fhógair an tAire Stáit sa Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta, Dinny McGinley T.D., an tseachtain seo caite.
Is í Anna Ní Ghallchóir, Stiúrthóir ar Ionad na dTeangacha in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Má Nuad, atá ceaptha ina Cathaoirleach ar an mbord mar aon lena comhaltaí seo leanas: Seán Ó Cuireán bainisteoir ar ionad saorálaí Dhún na nGall; Dairíona Nic an Iomaire, Príomhoide Ghaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh; Eunan Mac Cuinneagáin, Bainisteoir Réigiúnach ón gCarraig i gContae Dhún na nGall; Fiachra Ó Céilleachair ón Rinn i gContae Phort Láirge; Mícheál Ó Scanaill, fear gnó ó Bhaile Bhúirne i gContae Chorcaí agus Pádraig Ó hAinifín, fear gnó ón Daingean, Co. Chiarraí.
Ceapadh ceathrar comhalta ar ainmniúcháin Comhairlí Contae a bhfuil ceantair Ghaeltachta ina ndlínse. Ina measc tá Cathal Seoighe, Comhairle Contae na Mí; Ian Mac Aindriú, Comhairle Contae Mhaigh Eo; Séamus Chosaí Mac Gearailt, Comhairle Contae Chiarraí agus Seosamh Ó Laoi, Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe. Níor ainmníodh comhalta Chomhairle Contae Dhún na nGall go fóill toisc go bhfuil próiseas fiosrúcháin ar siúl faoin ainmniúchán sin.
www.advertiser.ie/galway
Foilsithe ar 29 Samhain 2012
Principals warn over crisis in funding
November 29, 2012
Schools may be forced to close because of funding cuts, primary school principals have warned.
An end to funding for dayto- day maintenance was going to put pressure on budgets, meaning some were having difficulties paying for heating, insurance and essential repairs, says the Irish Primary Principals’ Network.
“Schools are going to run out of money. Some will be refused an overdraft from the bank. They won’t be able to pay the ESB bill or the oil and they will have to close the school,” said Kieran Healy, a principal at St Colmcille’s primary school in Templemore.
The Department of Education confirmed it was unlikely the minor capital works grant would be given to schools in the coming years.
‘Minuscule’
An emergency grant was available for unforeseen probl ems which might stop a school from opening, said the department. But this funding was “minuscule”, said Enda McGorman, spokesman for the network and principal at Mary Mother of Hope national school, Clonee.
“On top of this … 46 per cent of schools are already operating on a deficit before the dropping of this funding means it will plunge schools into dire straits,” he added.
Primary schools were already under pressure because of cuts to their capitation grants, which funds the running of schools, said Mr McGorman. Increased costs, such as water charges, meant even less money. Fewer parents were able to pay the voluntary contribution and asking parents to fundraise was also becoming more problematic.
“We don’t have any other sources of funding. They have … drained away and we have no control over costs,” said Mr McGorman.
www.irishtimes.com
Foilsithe ar 29 Samhain 2012
