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Bliain na Gaeilge off to a colourful start all over the country

November 28, 2012

Bliain na Gaeilge 2013, a year-long festival dedicated to the promotion of the Irish language, was officially launched at the weekend in towns all over Ireland.

Family days took place on Sunday in Dublin, Belfast, Derry, Ennis, Mayo and Galway as part of Spraoi sa Phobal to launch the festival which will take place in 2013.

Crowds gathered for the family days and enjoyed music, dancing and events for the children and balloons were released at each family day at 3pm to celebrate 120 years of the Irish language revival.

Special guests were in attendance at the family days to officially launch the festival. Lord Mayor of Dublin Naoise Ó Muirí appeared at the celebrations on South King Street in Dublin City where, despite the rain, crowds enjoyed live music, face painting and a céilí. Actor Dónall Mac Giolla Chóill appeared at Cultúrlann Mac Adaim Ó Fiaich in Belfast and Mayor of Derry Kevin Campbell launched Bliain na Gaeilge 2013 at the Peace Bridge. The crowd in Galway City welcomed Deputy Mayor Frank Fahy and actor Eithne Nic Enrí as special guests at the city’s own celebration.

Hundreds of various events will take place throughout Bliain na Gaeilge 2013 and towns and cities worldwide will take part in the universal celebration of the Irish language. Organisers hope that Bliain na Gaeilge will encourage members of all communities to use whatever Irish they have on a regular basis in a fun and friendly environment.

Over 50 Irish language organisations will take part in the year-long festival and different events, ranging from music, sports and festivals, will take place on a daily basis around Ireland and abroad. All events will be registered on the calendar which can be found at www.gaeilge2013.ie.

Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com