Education
10 years of students flying the flag for the Irish language celebrated at Mary Immaculate College
Photographed at the Gaelbhratach ceremony in Mary Immaculate College were Grace Marrinan, Ruth Morrissey and Aisling Kelly from St. Michael’s Community College Kilmihil, Co.Clare. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan
Gaelbhratach presentation ceremony celebrates 10 years of students promoting the Irish language outside a formal classroom setting
Pilates through Irish, committees sparking Irish at a local market, and X-Factor through Irish are just some of the activities set up and run by student committees that were presented with a Gaelbhratach (Irish flag) at a ceremony in Mary Immaculate College this Tuesday, May 14.
Run by Gael Linn, ‘Gaelbhratach’ is a national initiative that encourages primary and secondary students to speak Irish outside of the formal classroom setting. This year marks the 10th year of the scheme in post-primary schools.
As part of the ceremony today, 67 flags were presented to post-primary schools from all over Ireland – the highest number of recipients in any one year – Flags were awarded in recognition of their efforts to inspire and empower their school communities to speak Irish. A further 50+ flags will be awarded to primary schools across the country at a separate event in June.
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Commenting today, Síomha Ní Ruairc, Youth Coordinator with Conradh na Gaeilge, ‘How to Gael’ podcast host, and television presenter said, “I was very lucky to grow up speaking Irish at home with my family. Being able to speak Irish has opened so many doors for me in life, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.
“The Gaelbhratach scheme is a great way for students to take charge of their own use of the language, bring it into everyday life and make it fun! It’s exciting that young people are starting to see the potential of the language outside of their learning in the classroom. I’m delighted to be here today to speak on the panel about my experiences in Irish and to meet all of the students receiving their flags.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Edel Ní Bhraonáin, Bainisteoir Gaelbhratach said, “We are delighted to be in Mary Immaculate College today for the Gaelbhratach awards and to be celebrating 10 years at secondary level, which is a significant milestone for the scheme. 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 role of this student-led committee is to direct the Gaelbhratach activities throughout the school year – empowering students to take ownership of how and when they use their language.
“We have new schools hoping to join the scheme each year and it’s inspiring to see young people’s passion for the language. The most rewarding part of the scheme is hearing feedback, from students and teachers alike, on how they have integrated the language into their everyday lives and the impact it has had.”
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