SEACHTAIN NA GAEILGE 2011 5 – 17 MARCH
March 3, 2011
Seachtain na Gaeilge is an annual festival promoting the use of Irish language and culture both at home and abroad and is taking place between the 5th – 17th March 2011. With events ranging from simple conversational evenings to street céilís; blind dating to surfing lessons ‘as Gaeilge’ it gives everyone a chance to experiment with Irish whether fluent from youth or only dipping their toe in for the first time. Seachtain na Gaeilge presents ‘Ceol’ in Vicar Street on the 16th March at 7.30pm, in aid of Barnardos Ireland, as the highlight of the festival.
Seachtain na Gaeilge is a chance for everyone to feel comfortable about using their ‘cúpla focail’ and this year Bernard Dunne and Craig Doyle have come on board as the ambassadors of Seachtain na Gaeilge ’11. Bernard is former professional boxer from Dublin who has expressed a great interest in the language in the last few years, especially since learning Irish again in the west of Dublin: “I’m delighted to be involved with Seachtain na Gaeilge as I have a personal passion for the language. I have both my kids in local naíonra and I am currently learning the language myself”.
Craig Doyle is a television and radio presenter from Dublin, who is best known for currently hosting RTÉ’s ‘The Panel’. He has gained a reputation for being a sports lover from his time working with the BBC, but this year he is showing the public his love for the Irish language. Speaking to Seachtain na Gaeilge, Craig said: “I’m delighted to be involved with Seachtain na Gaeilge this year. I feel the Irish language is a vital part of our culture and heritage. I am at present learning Irish again after many years and I try to use as much as possible with my own children at home. I believe Seachtain na Gaeilge provides the public an opportunity to use their Gaeilge at home and abroad and to get involved in activities and events organised by the public for the public. I look forward to this year’s festival!”
Events will be taking place worldwide between the 5th and 17th of March to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge 2011. Full listings can be found on www.snag.ie. So even if your last attempt at Irish was to ask the teacher, “An bhfuil cead agam dul amach?”, this is a perfect chance to give your native language another try!
For further information, interview contacts or images, please contact:
Órla Nic Shuibhne
Manager of Seachtain na Gaeilge 2011
P: 01 – 4757401, 087-9845760
E: orla@snag.ie
