Over 200 delegates attend all Irish schools conference in Kilkenny city
November 17, 2016
The annual conference for the Irish-medium education sector took place in the Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny last week with over 200 delegates from around the country.
The event was secured for the city by president of the An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaiochta, Cathnia O’ Muircheartaigh, principal of the all Irish secondary school in the city and the principal of the all Irish primary school in the city, Sean O’hArgain.
The theme for this year’s event wass Realising the Vision. It provided the context for a celebration of naionrai, Irish-medium and Gaeltacht schools, and was organised by Gaeloideachas and COGG.
The Department of Education and Skills’ Chief Inspector, Dr. Harold Hislop, made a presentation at the conference on the newly published Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022.
“This makes this year’s conference one of particular significance”, says Blathnaid ni Ghreachain, Chief Executive of Gaeloideachas. “For the first time since the founding of the State, the vision of Gaeltacht communities for an education system that meets their needs is to be made a reality. This policy will give those communities confidence in both the ability and commitment of the State to develop an education system for the Gaeltacht that is of a high standard.”
Delegates were provided with a comprehensive and meaningful programme. “It’s an important event” Gaeloideachas President, Cathnia O’Muircheartaigh said, adding that it offered e continuous professional development opportunities and also as a public celebration of excellence in the sector. It is a honour for Gaeloideachas to be involved in that celebration”.
