Naíonra Cheatharlach
May 21, 2013
Dea-scéal fógartha ag an Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna maidir le todhchaí Choláiste Chineál Eoghain, Bun Cranncha
May 21, 2013
Comhar Óg is on the shelves now
May 21, 2013
The second edition of ‘Comhar Óg’, the youth magazine of ‘Comhar’ is to be published this week.
Comhar Óg consists of the work of second level students in Ireland, between short stories, poetry, articles, cartoons, photos and lúibíní.
Funded by the Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG), ‘Comhar Óg’ provides teenagers with the opportunity to develop their writing skills, as well as providing relevant reading material for young people.
With dialects ranging from Connacht to the Déise, from Corca Dhuibhne to Gaoth Dobhair, there is much input from all four corners of the country, and it is clear that much effort is being put into writing by the students of Ireland.
Edited by Áine Uí Fhoghlú, well-known writer from an Rinn, Co. Waterford, and designed by Comhar designer Mark Wickham, both are without a doubt looking at these young writers as the future of Comhar.
Editor Áine Uí Fhoghlú highly recommends students to get practicing and writing, especially with the summer months coming. She also recommends teachers to work on creative writing skills, especially with transition year students.
With the submission date for Gradaim Liteartha an Oireachtais drawing near on July 1st, surely there will be a lot of writing done between now and then. More information on this, Comhar Óg, and Comhar itself is available on (01) 6785443, www.iriscomhar.com or iriscomhar@gmail.com.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Reprieve for Buncrana’s Irish Language school
May 20, 2013
Inishowen’s only Irish language secondary school has been granted a ‘stay of execution’ as the Department of Eudcation has decided to extend provisional recognition to Coláiste Chineál Eoghain for the 2013/2014 year.
There was outcry several months ago when it became clear the Department intended to close the Irish medium school because of ‘insufficient numbers’. The decision caused outrage locally.
Speaking yesterday Fine Gael TD Joe McHugh described the Department’s move as ‘a very positive step’ for Inishowen families and for the Irish language.
“I have been working with Coláiste Chineál Eoghain and with Donegal VEC since last March to secure this extension. I made a number of submissions to the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn TD, about this matter, and I also raised the issue directly with senior officials in the Department.
Inishowen Sinn Féin Councillor and VEC board member, Jack Murray confirmed he had spoken to VEC Chief Executive Shaun Purcell, and he was delighted that Colaiste Chineal Eoghain will remain open.
“This announcement provides some certainty for those families who intend to enrol their children in the school this year. “I would encourage anyone who is still considering Colaiste Chineal Eoghain as an option for their child to do so
“I will continue to work to ensure the future for Irish language education in Inishowen.”
Labour Senator, Jimmy Harte also welcomed the decision.
www.derryjournal.com
Now you’re speaking our language!
May 20, 2013
Deirdre Reynolds meets TG4’S stars ahead of tonight’s Irish language media awards
Move over, Dáithí — meet the new buachaillí on the block. Maura Derrane, Gráinne Seoige and Eibhlín Ní Chonghaile are just some of the gorgeous Gaeilgeoirí to emerge from TG4 in recent years. But following in the footsteps of former weather man Dáithí Ó Sé and Hector Ó hEochagáin, there’s no shortage of male talent at the Irish-language channel either.
Celebrating the best of the Irish language media, the Oireachtas Media Awards 2013 takes place at Galway Bay Hotel tonight. Here, we meet some of the nominees helping to make our native tongue hot.
Éamonn and Seán Ó Cualáin
Feature Programme of the Year nominees
Galway brothers Éamonn and Seán Ó Cualáin, who run Sónta Films, have already scooped an IFTA for their TG4funded documentary Lón sa Spéir, which tells the story of iconic 1932 New York photo ‘Lunch atop a Skyscraper’.
A gong for ‘Feature Programme of the Year’ would be the icing on the cake, says dad-of-three Éamonn (32): “When I was in college, I had a poster of ‘Lunch atop a Skyscraper’ on my wall. It’s just this feelgood image. Then a few years ago, my brother Seán and I were in a pub in Shanaglish and noticed the photo hanging on the wall.
“Beside it there was a note by a Boston man called Pat Glynn, explaining that one of the men in the photo was his father and another was his uncle-in-law, who had left Galway to find work in the States. The pub owner Michael Whelan gave us Pat’s contact and we headed to the States to chase up this incredible story.
“When you’re film-making I don’t think language holds you back. If it’s good enough, people will watch it and enjoy it. Lón sa Spéir showed alongside films like Argo at the Toronto International Film Festival last year.
“Although some of the interviews are in English, people were reading subtitles and it didn’t bother them. We had four sold-out screenings and got standing ovations. “Meanwhile, we’ve just signed a US distribution agreement and it’s also been selected for the Shanghai International Film Festival next month, so that’s pretty cool. “There are no big cheques, but hopefully the recognition will help us make more Irish-language films.”
Tristan Rosenstock
Television Broadcaster of the Year nominee
Dubliner Tristan Rosenstock (32), who’s up for Television Broadcaster of the Year for arts show Imeall, reveals how he once managed to get P Diddy to try the ‘cúpla focail’.
“When I was six, I went to Lapland with Fortycoats to meet Santa. My television debut aired on Christmas Day in 10 European countries! “During my first year in college, where I studied early and modern Irish, I got a call out of the blue asking me if I would go to Vogue Fashion Week in New York for TG4 programme Rí Rá. “With just three days’ notice, there was no time to get nervous. I got to interview Sandra Bullock, and was standing just a couple of feet away from Jennifer Lopez, Madonna and Julia Roberts.
“Sometimes, it’s good to get thrown in the deep end — you either sink or swim. When I arrived for my first day on Imeall, I figured I was going to be a researcher. Two hours later, I was on the way to Belfast to interview an Oscar-winning cinematographer. “My dad [Gabriel Rosenstock] is an Irish language writer and poet, so I was brought up speaking Irish and didn’t learn English until I went to school. “Growing up in Glenageary, I suppose that would have been kind of odd. To me, everyone spoke Irish. TV is very competitive, but the language has definitely helped me get work. There are loads of opportunities, especially in the media. The attitude [towards Irish] has changed a lot.
“There doesn’t seem to be the same hostility towards the language that might have existed when I was growing up, [being] a little bit embarrassed to speak it on the bus on the way home. At least half the content of Imeall is in Irish, usually more.
“If I’m interviewing a Hollywood star, for instance, I’ll do it in English, but introduce the item and thank them in Irish. A lot of them have never heard the language before and love it. Some, like P Diddy, even have a go at it!”
Dara Ó Cinnéide
Television Broadcaster of the Year nominee
Former Kerry football captain Dara Ó Cinnéide (38) is in the running for Television Broadcaster of the Year for weekly sports show Seó Spóirt, and these days, says he’s perfectly happy to watch from the sidelines.
“Growing up, I used to always watch Michael Lyster on The Sunday Game Live, and was lucky enough to get to work with him on the show years later. “Most presenters go from Irish to English, but I actually went the opposite direction leaving RTÉ for TG4 three years ago. “Obviously, I’m very passionate about the Irish language. But I don’t see myself as an Irish language activist either.
“It’s my first language and it’s my kids’ first language. For me, it’s just a means of communicating. It’s just a way of saying: ‘Pass the salt, please’. “Lots of my mates up the country used to say to me, ‘ Seó Spóirt looks great, but we don’t have a clue what you’re saying!’ “So about two years ago, TG4 made the decision to subtitle the show, which has drawn in a whole different audience.
“Football analysis is full of English-language clichés. But I try to avoid having an English language imprint on the show. “If you go back far enough into our language, we have our own way of saying things that doesn’t necessarily translate that well into English. “When you think of ‘sexy’ languages, Italian springs to mind. But I’ve never really felt the need to make Irish cool or sexy.
“And I have no ambitions to compete with Dáithí Ó Sé, who’s a former classmate of mine. Dáithí has real star quality — I just chair debates! “Nobody wants to be listening to an ex-Kerry player harping on about the glory days. I’ve had my fun with the game on the field; the fun now is to be had talking about it.“I love the game, and whatever language that’s communicated in doesn’t make any
www.independent.ie
Opportunity for Irish learners to achieve TEG qualifcation
May 20, 2013
The European Certificate in Irish (TEG) and Oideas Gael are coming together to give Irish students the opportunity to get recognition for their work whilst attending Oideas Gael courses this summer.
TEG will offer official certification for language skills obtained while attending Oideas Gael courses. During summer 2013, TEG will be conducting oral exams in Gleann Cholm Cille where learners will have the choice to take these exams while studying with Oideas Gael. The exams will take place on 22 June, 6 July and 20 July.
Since its foundation in 2005, European Certificate in Irish is the first and only certification system for Irish for adults. TEG is aimed at anyone with an interest in learning Irish, and over 2,500 people from Ireland and abroad have taken the exams since their foundation. TEG recognition is very helpful in the working world, is among the entry requirements for Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta, The Teaching Council, The Fulbright Commission, The Department of Education and Skills; and the Colleges of Education: Marino Institute of Education, St. Patrick’s College of Education, Mary Immaculate College of Education and Hibernia College.
TEG exams will be available at the following levels at Oideas Gael:
A1 – Elementary 1
A2 – Elementary 2
B1 – Intermediate 1
B2 – Intermediate 2 (20 July only)
C1 – Advanced 1 (20 July only)
There will be a cost of €50 on TEG examinations through Oideas Gael, and to register for an exam go to www.teg.ie. Advice on the appropriate level of test a candidate should undertake is available from Oideas Gael teachers, as well as TEG staff in NUI Maynooth. More information is available on TEG’s website www.teg.ie, at teanga@nuim.ie or on 01 7086417.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Grassroots Gaelic
May 17, 2013
Crawford Mackie’s letter about research into Gaelic language education (14 May) was redolent of the type of blustering train crash which generally occurs when prejudice comes up against scientific research.
After a scattergun ad hominem attack on the academics involved, Mr Mackie questioned the sample size of the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey, while indicating that if Bòrd na Gàidhlig had funded its own survey it would be, in his view, invalid.
It appears he would rather no research was carried out and that opinions, most likely his own, were given free sway. And to the 91 per cent majority of adult respondents who did not give a “satisfactory” answer to the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey, Mr Mackie can only give a patronising response.
We are told they “will not be considering the cost”, as if Mr Mackie himself was aware of their considerations as they responded to the survey. The letter descended from there into further absurdity.
I do have some sympathy with the rage such research must engender in those who would rather eradicate the language, proving as it does, that they too are a minority – in the case of Mr Mackie’s view on Gaelic- medium education, one of only 8 per cent, give or take the margin of error.
Gaelic-medium education is one of the great grassroots success stories of Scottish education of recent generations, being led at all times by parents demanding that their children too should be afforded the right to a bilingual education.
Mr Mackie may want to homogenise Scotland but I, and it would seem 91 per cent of others, disagree.
Aonghas Mac Leòid
Malloch Street
Glasgow
The debate about whether or not Gaelic should be taught in Scottish schools is becoming somewhat aggressive in tone.
Many of those who are against it argue that Gaelic is a pointless, inward-looking language that is of no use to anyone out there in the real world. It would be more useful, they say, for children to learn languages such as Spanish, French, German and even Chinese.
Some of those who are fighting for Gaelic in schools argue that it is a unique and important feature of Scottish culture and that funding should be preserved so that it can be taught to as many children as possible. Surely the truth and a workable solution are somewhere in between. Nobody reasonable should be arguing that being able to speak Gaelic will help anyone get a well-paid job or to do dazzling trade in other countries, but there is more to life than making money.
There are many skills and experiences that young people can gather which contribute to the richness of their character and society. Whether we are for independence or not, we have good reasons to be proud of our country, and preserving its language is a crucial part of that.
When languages die out, that’s that. They’re gone forever. We can’t let that happen.
Morag Gregory
Kersland Street
Glasgow
www.scotsman.com
Principal appointed to new gaelscoil in Kildare
May 16, 2013
A new Gaelscoil will open in Kildare town in 2013 under the patronage of An Foras Pátrúnachta. The new Gaelscoil will be an Irish-medium school that is co-educational with a multi-denominational spiritual characteristic.
The new school will be located in the VEC secondary school in Kildare town which is currently accommodating Educate Together. An Foras Patrúnachta is still accepting applications for places in the new school. Parents who are interested in this school can get an application form here.
The application form should be completed and posted to An Foras Patrúnachta, Bloc K3, Campus Gnó Mhaigh Nuad, Maigh Nuad, Co. Chill Dara as soon as possible.
Meet the new principal: Norma Ní Chonchúir
“I am from Kerry originally. I completed my B. Ed in Mary Immaculate College and a Masters in Education in NUI Maynooth.
“I moved to Kildare eight years ago when I got my first job and have been teaching in Gaelscoil Chill Dara since. It has been a brilliant eight years in a school which provides a very high standard of education.
“I decided to be a teacher because I love working with children and I myself had a very positive experience at school. I had excellent teachers who gave me great encouragement. I also have a great love for the Irish language and I am very interested in promoting it.
“It is a great opportunity and great honour for me to be the principal of the new Gaelscoil in Kildare town. I am really looking forward to taking up this position. There is a great demand for education through Irish in the area and it is brilliant that this new school is opening to cater for that demand.
“The new Gaelscoil will be an multidenominational school. An excellent standard of education will be provided in an environment that is positive, enjoyable and open. My aim is to nurture a respectful atmosphere, a place where children are encouraged and confident, a place where they will learn the life skills they will need as citizens of this country.”
Gaelscoil na Giúise principal appointed
May 16, 2013
A new Gaelscoil will open in the Firhouse area in 2013 under the patronage of An Foras Pátrúnachta. Gaelscoil na Giúise will be an Irish-medium school that is co-educational with a multi-denominational spiritual characteristic.
An Foras Patrúnachta is still accepting applications for places in the new school. Parents who are interested in this school can get an application form below.
The application form should be completed and posted to An Foras Patrúnachta, Bloc K3, Campus Gnó Mhaigh Nuad, Maigh Nuad, Co Chill Dara as soon as possible.
An Foras Pátrúnachta, the new school’s patron, campaigned for a Gaelscoil in the Tallaght area in 2011 and received significant parental support. An Foras Pátrúnachta then submitted an application for patronage of the new school in October, 2011.
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn announced in March 2012 the patronage for the new primary schools opening in September, 2012 and September, 2013. An Foras Pátrúnachta is delighted to be the patron of three new Gaelscoileanna, including Tallaght, opening in 2012 and 2013.
Meet the new principal: Fionnuala Ní Riain
“I am from Balinteer originally. I attended Scoil Naithí and then Coláiste Íosagáin in Stillorgan. I decided to be a teacher as I always had an interest in education and I always wanted to work with children. My father is a secondary school teacher and education has been in both sides of my family for generations.
“I completed a BA in Irish and History (UCD) in 2001 and a Masters in Business and Information Technoloy (DCU) in 2002. I completed my Higher Diploma in Primary School Education in 2005 and this year I am studying for a Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support & Special Needs (2002).
“I have been teaching in Gaelscoil Bharra, Cabra for the past 10 years. I am really looking forward to the new job at Gaelscoil na Giúise and I feel I am ready for the challenge. Gaelscoil Bharra was a relatively new school when I started teaching and as a result, I have the experience of working in a school which is growing and developing.
“I would like to nurture a school which is at the heart of the area and which aims to provide excellent education to every child. I would like to help the children develop their talents in such a way that we would be spreading Irish culture around the area agus encouraging local people to use their Irish. I would like to nurture a school which takes part in sports and music events, drama and more.”
Principal appointed to new gaelscoil in Stepaside
May 16, 2013
A new Gaelscoil will open in the Stepaside area in 2013 under the patronage of An Foras Pátrúnachta. The new Gaelscoil will be an Irish-medium school that is co-educational with a multi-denominational spiritual characteristic.
The new school will be located in Aiken’s Village. An Foras Patrúnachta is still accepting applications for places in the new school. Parents who are interested in this school can get an application form here.
The application form should be completed and posted to An Foras Patrúnachta, Bloc K3, Campus Gnó Mhaigh Nuad, Maigh Nuad, Co Chill Dara as soon as possible.
An Foras Pátrúnachta, the new school’s patron, campaigned for a Gaelscoil in the Stepaside area in 2011 and received great parental support. An Foras Pátrúnachta then submitted an application for patronage of the new school in October, 2011.
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn announced in March 2012 the patronage for the new primary schools opening in September, 2012 and September, 2013. An Foras Pátrúnachta is delighted to be the patron of three new Gaelscoileanna, including Stepaside, opening in 2012 and 2013.
Meet the new principal: Conchúr Ó Raghallaigh
“I was born and raised in Clondalkin and am currently living in Lucan. I have a love and a passion for education. I believe in it’s benefits. I enjoy encouraging people and I recognise children’s independence and individuality.
“I have a degree in English an Economics, a Higher Diploma in Primary Education and I am currently finishing a Postgraduate Diploma in educational leadership in NUI Maynooth.
“To date, I have spent my teaching career in Gaelscoil Naomh Pádraig, Lucan. I have taught children at every level from infants to sixth class. I have learned a lot in this school and I hope to use my experience effectively in Stepaside.
“I am looking forward to the challenge which this job will bring. I am also looking forward to encouraging the Irish language in Stepaside. I think this is a great chance for use to develop the language among the young people!! On a personal note, I am looking forward to the professional development that I will make in this school.
“I am very proud to take on this new role. We will have a very high standard of education in Stepaside with an emphasis on the celebration of the talents and individuality of the children.”
