Leas-Phríomhoide
February 27, 2014
‘Cúram, Cothú agus Ceannaireacht’ – An Foras Pátrúnachta Conference 2014
February 27, 2014
Liam O’Neill, president of the GAA, will be the guest of honour at the An Foras Pátrúnachta Conference which will be held in the Red Cow Moran Hotel in Dublin, this Saturday, March 1st 2014.
An Foras Pátrúnachta, the largest patron of Irish medium schools, has been in operation for the past 20 years and there are currently 67 schools under its patronage.‘Cúram, Cothú agus Ceannaireacht’ will be the theme of this year’s conference.
Anti-bullying measures, the responsibilities of the board of management, legal questions, school ethos, technology and more will be covered on the day.
An Irish language version of a multidenominational handbook for schools will be launched and the winners of the An Foras Pátrúnachta Art Competition will also be announced, a competition which was launched earlier this year.
This event gives principals, chairpersons, teachers, members of boards of management and those working in the Irish medium sector an opportunity to come together and discuss important issues.
Eileen Flynn (education expert), Antoin Delap (solicitor), Terry Allen (education advisor) and Keith Young (technology expert) will each make presentations and be available to answer questions.
Delegates will have the opportunity to look at exhibition stands from Foras na Gaeilge, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, TG4, Allianz, O2, Rith 2014, TEG and more.
Caoimhín Ó hEaghra, General Secretary of An Foras Pátrúnachta said “I am looking forward to Saturday’s conference. We have excellent guest speakers who will share the latest and most important information with schools on education, law technology, bord of management organisation and promoting the ethos of the school.
“Boards and Principals have a responsibility to be up to date on the implications of the many changes which have taken place in the education sector over the past few years.
“The Conference is a excellent opportunity for delegates to get new information and to make links with other schools under the patronage of An Foras Pátrúnachta.”
Tickets cost €30 and can be booked by calling 01 6294110 or sending an email to eolas@foras.ie
Derry gets ready to celebrate Irish Language Week 2014
February 27, 2014
Irish Language Week 2014 is almost here and Derry is set to celebrate all things Irish with a programme of Irish language-themed events and activities which runs from 1st – 17th March.
Irish Language Week (Seachtain na Gaeilge) is celebrated every year by communities across the island of Ireland and across the globe and the festival offers a great opportunity for learners of Irish and fluent speakers alike to use the language and celebrate Irish culture.
This year’s festival starts with the annual Irish language literary conference Éigse Cholmcille, which will be held at The University of Ulster’s Magee campus from Friday 28th and Saturday 1st March. This year’s event will explore the theme of the ‘Scholars from the West of Ulster’ and includes a series of guest lectures and book launches on the theme.
Féile Bheag na Leabhar (The Little Festival of Books) returns again this year after being successfully launched in the City of Culture year. It is the first children’s Irish language book and storytelling festival to take place in the city and is organised by Derry City Council in partnership with Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin. This year’s event takes place on World Book Day – Thursday 6th March and includes performances by the children’s entertainment outfit Lúrapóg Larapóg and renowned Donegal storyteller Gearóidín Bhreathnach.
On Saturday 8th March, to celebrate International Women’s Day, a range of Irish language and traditional music events will take place at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin including a lunchtime panel discussion about the role of women in traditional music, followed by a traditional music session and an evening concert ‘Ceol na mBan’ featuring a selection of the best female artists in the world of Irish folk and traditional music.
From 10th to the 12th March the annual Fáinne Challenge will take place, offering students of Irish from across the city and district the opportunity to try out for silver and gold fluency pins. Successful candidates will be presented with their awards at a special ceremony to be held on Thursday 13th March, after which the ever-popular Big Irish Language Week Quiz will take place. There will be lots of other opportunities to speak Irish during the festival with Conversation Circle events on the 5th and 14th March. Don’t miss this opportunity to brush up on your Irish and meet some other learners of the language.
Throughout Irish Language Week members of the public will be able to drop into Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin to visit the ‘Story of Irish’ exhibition which details the history of the language in the Derry City Council area. The project which was developed by Derry City Council in direct partnership with the local Irish language community was undertaken during the City of Culture year to celebrate the National Year of Irish and was conceived as a legacy initiative to inform future generations of the place the language in society here.
Irish Language Week ends with a packed programme of events on St Patrick’s Day. There are events and activities happening all over the city to celebrate this year’s theme of ‘Music, Myth and Magic’ – the full St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival programme is available to view online at www.derrycity.gov.uk/stpatricksday.
To keep up-to-date with all that’s happening over the Irish Language Week period visit Derry City Council’s Irish Language page at www.derrycity.gov.uk/gaeilge or check out local Irish language event listings on Facebook at www.facebook.com/foramphobalnagaeilge. If you would like information about events taking place at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin contact T: (028) 71 26 4132 or email fiachra@culturlann-doire.ie
IRISH LANGUAGE WEEK 2014
1st – 17th March
Irish Language Week (Seachtain na Gaeilge) is celebrated each year by Irish speaking communities throughout the island of Ireland. It is the biggest international Irish language festival which aims to promote the use of Irish among learners and fluent speakers alike with a diverse programme of events and activities.
Friday 28th February & Saturday 1st March
ÉIGSE CHOLM CILLE
The University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Derry
The annual Irish language literary conference returns to explore the theme – Irish Language Scholars of the West of Ulster.
Contact: Nioclás Mac Cathmhaoil, T: (028) 71 675 770, Email: nm.mccaul@ulster.ac.uk
Admission free
Monday 3rd – Monday 17th March
SCÉAL NA GAEILGE: THE STORY OF IRISH
Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, 37 Great James Street, Derry
A new exhibition showcasing the past, present and future story of the Irish language in the Derry City Council area.
Contact: Pól Ó Frighil, Irish Language Officer, Derry City Council, T: (028) 71 376 579, Email: gaeilge@derrycity.gov.uk
Admission free
Wednesday 5th March, 12:00pm
CIORCAL COMHRÁ: CONVERSATION CIRCLE
Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, 37 Great James Street, Derry
Conversation circles in Irish at Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Levels.
Admission free
Tuesday 4th March, 7:00pm
SEISIÚN CEOIL TEAGHLAIGH: FAMILY MUSIC SESSION
Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, 37 Great James Street, Derry
Family session and music classes
Contact: Odhrán Ó Maoláin, T: (028) 71 264 132, Email: odhran@culturlann-doire.ie
Thursday th March, 10:00am-2:30pm
FÉILE BHEAG NA LEABHAR: THE LITTLE FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, 37 Great James Street, Derry
Féile Bheag na Leabhar (The Little Festival of Books) is Derry’s first children’s Irish language book festival. Organised by Derry City Council in partnership with Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, this year’s festival takes place on World Book Day – 6th March – and features a storytelling workshop with renowned Donegal storyteller Gearóidín Bhreathnach and a performance by Lúrapóg Larapóg.
Contact: Pól Ó Frighil, Irish Language Officer, Derry City Council, T: (028) 71 376 579 Email: gaeilge@derrycity.gov.uk
Open to Irish medium schools in the Derry City Council area.
Saturday 8th March
LÁ IDIRNÁISÚNTA NA mBAN: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, 37 Great James Street, Derry
The theme for International Women’s day 2014 is ‘Inspiring Change’. Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin provides the focus for a day-long celebration of women in Irish music with a lunchtime panel discussion and a concert showcasing a selection of leading female trad artists.
1:00pm –Panel Discussion and Session
‘Women in Traditional Music’ with Lynette Fay, Laoise Kelly, Alana Henderson and Emma Sweeney.
Admission free
8:00pm – Ceol na mBan
A celebration of women in the Irish folk and traditional music scene. This concert features an eclectic line-up that includes some of the most exciting female musicians on the contemporary trad scene. (Entry £8)
Contact: Odhrán Ó Maoláin, T: (028) 71 264 132, Email: odhran@culturlann-doire.ie
Monday 10th – Wednesday 12th March, 9.30am – 5.00pm
SCÉIM AN FHÁINNE: THE FÁINNE CHALLENGE
Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, 37 Great James Street, Derry
The Fáinne Challenge offers learners of Irish throughout the city the opportunity to try out for a fáinne at Basic, Intermediate or Advanced level. Booking essential.
Contact: Fiachra Mackel, T: (028) 7126 4132, fiachra@culturlann-doire.ie
Thursday 13th March, 8:00pm
BRONNADH FÁINNÍ & TRÁTH NA gCEIST: FÁINNE PRESENTATION & BIG QUIZ
Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, 37 Great James Street, Derry
Presentation of fáinne to learners of Irish who undertake oral exams during Irish Language Week. Followed by the Big Irish Language Quiz.
Contact: Fiachra Mackel, T: (028) 7126 4132, fiachra@culturlann-doire.ie
Friday 14th March
CIORCAL COMHRÁ: CONVERSATION CIRCLE
Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, 37 Great James Street, Derry
Conversation in Irish at Basic, Intermediate, Advanced Levels
Contact: Fiachra Mackel, T: (028) 7126 4132, fiachra@culturlann-doire.ie
Saturday 15th March, 7.30pm
OÍCHE GHAELACH: IRISH NIGHT
Immaculate Conception College, Trench Road, Derry
Tickets available free of charge from school office
Further information: Caitríona Uí Dhoibhlín – cdevlin278@icc.derry.ni.sch.uk
Monday 17th March
LÁ FHÉILE PÁDRAIG: ST PATRICK’S DAY
12.30-2.00 & 4.00-6.00
Entertainment with The Fanzini Brothers and Seisiún Mór with Ceoltóirí na Cultúrlainne and guests
Pól Ó Frighil | Oifigeach Gaeilge
Comhairle Cathrach Dhoire | 98 Bóthar na Trá | Doire BT48 7NN
T: (028) 71 376 579
Pól Ó Frighil | Irish Language Officer
Derry City Council | 98 Strand Road | Derry BT48 7NN
T: (028) 71 376 579
www.derrycity.gov.uk/gaeilge
Research Bursary and Funding for Teaching Resources available from COGG
February 25, 2014
An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) have announced details this week of their latest funding scheme for teaching resources as well as details of a research bursary.
Funding
An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta welcomes applications from individuals, groups, companies, and publishers who are interested in producing resources relating to the learning/teaching of Irish or through the medium of Irish.
Research Bursary
Applications are also sought from students at doctorate level or from researchers at post doctorate level who wish to research the Teaching or the Learning of Irish, but applications for other relevant subjects relating to Irish will also be accepted.
There is no fixed monetary value for either the bursary or funding for resources. Further information and an application form are available at www.cogg.ie.
Applications will not be accepted after 4pm, 19 March 2014.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Irish language comments on RTÉ cause a stir
February 25, 2014
Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh spoke on The Saturday Night Show last Saturday, and discussed language rights for Irish speakers, but it would seem that her invitation to appear on the show can be directly attributed to the number of complaints RTÉ received in relation to the previous week’s show.
It would appear that RTÉ received many complaints about a statement presenter Brendan O’Connor made at the beginning of his show, when he poked fun at the Lá Mór na Gaeilge demonstration which occurred earlier that day which saw thousands of people take to the streets of Dublin to defend their language rights. According to O’Connor it was unclear what the group were demanding as they were speaking in Irish.
It is of little wonder that RTÉ received many complaints about that particular comment, with members of the public outraged and claiming that O’Connor had violated the code in relation to fairness, objectivity and impartiality.
Among the complaints received by RTÉ regarding The Saturday Night Show was one from Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, who have submitted three complaints this month about three distinct programmes broadcast on RTÉ: The Late Late Show, The Saturday Night Show and European Parliament Report.
The Late Late Show
On The Late Late Show broadcast on Friday, 07 February 2014, towards the end of the programme, during an interview with Aled Jones, Ryan Tubridy displayed some road signs and asked his guest to read them aloud. One of the signs was of an English translation of the Gaeltacht placename Muiceanach Idir Dhá Sháile and the presenter began poking fun at the name, laughing that there was no way that he could say it himself as it was so complicated.
In their complaint An Chomhdháil reminded RTÉ that Gaeltacht placenames should be written in Irish as per the Placenames Order, and therefore the sign should have read ‘Muiceanach Idir Dhá Sháile’ rather than an unofficial translated version. An Chomhdháil claim this scene, and the presenter’s actions, were disrespectful to the Irish speaking community.
European Parliament Report
An Chomhdháil also submitted a complaint this month in relation to the European Parliament Report which was broadcast on Sunday, 09 February 2014. During this programme, Irish MEP Seán Kelly addressed the Parliament in Irish, yet rather than broadcast this piece, RTÉ chose to edit the piece to include the voice of an interpreter rather than the voice of our MEP. An Chomhdháil claimed there was no reason not to broadcast the original piece by Mr. Kelly and reminded RTÉ that the Irish language is the first official language of the State.
Under articles 47 and 48 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 each broadcaster is required have a clear process for dealing with complaints. RTÉ’s process is listed here and if you have any issue you would like to raise with them , you can send them an email at complaints@rte.ie.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Celebration of Irish language in Cookstown and Dungannon
February 25, 2014
The countdown is on to a major Irish language festival in Cookstown and Dungannon.
With only a few weeks left until this year’s St. Patrick’s Day holidaysthe preparations are well underway for this year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge – Gaelfest Irish Language festival which takes place in the Cookstown and Dungannon Council areas throughout March. The festival celebrates the Irish language and encourages people to come along to a wide variety of events, talks and workshops available, whatever their level of spoken or written Irish. In Cookstown, a special Seal Spraoi (literally translated as ‘a spell of fun’) event on Friday, March 7 from 4.30pm – 6pm at the Burnavon will give local primary school children, whether they know any Irish or not, an opportunity to join in the celebrations.
Gearóidín Bhreathnach, a prizewinning singer and storyteller, will lead the workshop which is packed full of singing, stories and activities. Admission is from £2 per child and can be booked through the Burnavon Box Office on 028 8676 9949. Raymond Loney will continue the weekend celebrations as he provides the music for the Family Céilí on Sunday, March 9 from 2pm – 4pm. Here, children will be able to draw on the skills they learned during the week at the céilí dancing workshops also happening in the Burnavon. Admission is £2 per person and can either be booked in advance through the Burnavon Box Office or paid on the door on arrival. As well as plenty of arts and cultural activities this year Gaelfest will incorporate Rith 2014, a fund-raising relay run the length of Ireland. It will be passing through Cookstown on the evening of Wednesday, March 12.
Rith 2014 provides the means to raise funds for their own Irish language projects as well as establishing a central fund for sporting clubs who take part in Rith 2014. More information can be found at www.rith.ie. Regular Irish language events, such as Ciorcal Comhrá conversation club and Léigh Leatreading club, both of which are hosted by Cookstown Library, will be making a special effortto welcome people who would like to try out words and phrases they know during Gaelfest. Details of local Irish language activities are available at www.guthonline.org. A highlight of the festival comes on Friday 14th March at 8pm as Máirín Hurndall, a radio journalist working with Radio Feirste in Belfast, will be in the Burnavon to talk about her experience with the language and the Protestant Gaelic tradition. Admission to this talk is free.
During Seachtain na Gaeilge, a new series of after-schools classes for pupils taking their GCSEs will be launched. Costing £30 for 10, they will be held in the the Burnavon before Easter. They begin at 4.30pm on Wednesdays. To register for the after-schools classes or for details on any of the events covered by Seachtain na Gaeilge – Gaelfest, contact Séamus Mac Giolla Phádraig, Oifigeach Fhorbairt na Gaeilge (Irish Language Development Officer) with Cookstown District Council at the Burnavon on 028 8676 9949 option 4.
www.tyronetimes.co.uk
Culture Minister Caral Ni Chuilin launches Irish language drive
February 25, 2014
Culture Minister Caral Ni Chuilin has launched an advertising campaign in a bid to encourage people to learn and speak Irish.
The campaign called Liofa le cheile (Fluent Together) encourages everyone from all walks of life to learn and speak the language.The campaign, which will run across a variety of media platforms including television, radio, outdoor and digital media, will show how Irish is used through daily phrases, names and places. The minister said: “The Irish language is at the heart of our society. “It is everywhere around us through common words we use like ‘craic’, and also in place names like Donaghadee (Domhnach Daoi). “I believe that the rich cultural and linguistic heritage is something that all of us can share, embrace and enjoy.” As the campaign starts, a new website www.liofa.eu will be available to assist people learning the language.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Irish language under threat
February 25, 2014
Sir, – I fully support the Revenue Commissioners’ reluctance to communicate with Brian Mac a’ Bhaird (February 21st) “as Gaeilge”.
Translating government documents into Irish is a complete waste of time and money. Government spending on teaching Irish is estimated to cost about €1 billion per annum. While gaeilgeorí may hate to hear it, the Irish language is functionally useless in the modern economy, and as such the money spent is an extremely poor investment. It is also widely detested by students, who are force-fed second-rate poetry and literature out of some absurd sense of national pride. While the argument is often made that Irish is an integral part of our culture, culture can survive quite well without unwanted and unnecessary state coercion (see the GAA, Irish dancing and traditional Irish music as some examples).
According to the 2011 census, Irish now lags behind Polish in numbers of speakers who use the language daily outside of school. The fact Irish is not even the second most widely used language despite decades of State policy and funding towards propping it up should prove that the Irish language experiment has been an utter failure. This pandering to gaeilgeoirí has gone on for far too long. The Irish language is never going to become a widely used language in Ireland and the sooner this is accepted the better. – Yours, etc,
EANNA COFFEY,
Fossa, Killarney, Co Kerry.
www.irishtimes.com
SPRAOI ag Tuistí agus Leanaí i gCeatharlach i Mí an Mhárta
February 25, 2014
Polasaithe Samplacha a Roinnt
February 25, 2014
