Education
Limerick students flying the flag for the Irish language
Photographed at the 2025 Gaelbhratach awards run by Gael Linn ceremony was the coiste Gaelbhratach from Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, Monamuck, Co. Limerick.
Students from six schools in Limerick were presented with a Gaelbhratach (Irish flag) at the 2025 Gael Linn ceremony in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick
Tea and discussion sessions, board games, a céilí, debating, poster competition, quizzes and a pop-up cinema are just some of the activities set up and run by student committees in Limerick that were recognised for their promotion of the Irish language.
Run by Gael Linn, ‘Gaelbhratach‘ is a national initiative that encourages primary and secondary school students to speak Irish outside of the formal classroom setting. Students from Limerick attended the ceremony, which marked the 11th year of the scheme in post-primary schools.
A total of 130 flags have been awarded to post-primary schools this year – almost double the figure from last year. Flags were awarded in recognition of students’ efforts to inspire and empower their school communities to speak Irish.
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Limerick schools that were awarded a Gaelbhratach in Limerick this week were Ardscoil Mhuire, Corbally; Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, Monamuck; Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ, Limerick city; Limerick City East Secondary School, Castletroy; Mungret Community College; and St Clement’s College, Limerick city
This year, Mungret Community College was also awarded a special prize ‘Zón Gaeilge is fear / Timpeallacht – Best surroundings’ for particularly outstanding work in promoting the language in their new building with posters, signs, bracelets and coffee cups with Irish phrases on them. This award was revealed as a surprise during the presentation of flags.
Commenting on the awards, Edel Ní Bhraonáin, Bainisteoir Gaelbhratach, said, “Gaelbhratach gives young people of any age or background the opportunity to use and develop their Irish language skills outside of the traditional classroom setting. The programme aims to put the student voice at the centre of their learning through the Gaelbhratach committee.
“The student-led committee plays a central role in guiding Gaelbhratach initiatives throughout the school year, empowering students in Limerick to take active ownership of their language use and learning while Limerick students fly the flag for the Irish language, promoting Irish in meaningful, self-directed ways.
“The scheme is going from strength to strength, with 65 schools being awarded a flag for the first time this year. It’s inspiring to see young people’s growing passion for the language. The most rewarding part of the scheme is hearing feedback from both students and teachers about how they’ve woven the language into their daily lives and the positive impact it has made.”
Further information about the Gaelbhratach scheme is available here.
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