High local interest in Bliain na Gaeilge
IN addition to the upcoming Irish language summer camp, Bliain na Gaeilge was celebrated here on the island with a one-day Irish language football camp on April 3 last.
The camp was held in the training grounds of Oileánaigh Óga Dairbhre, An Caol, Dairbhre.
84 local primary school children aging in range from 5 to 13 from Der Earca, Scoil Bhréanainn, An Gleann, Acadh Tiobraid, An Coireán, Cathair Saidhbhín, and children on holidays from Cork, Clare and Dublin, registered for the event.
Coaches Dominic and Graham O’Sullivan from Dromid; Zoe O Shea, Waterville; Elaine O Sullivan, Ardcost; Andy Quigley; Jim Whelan; and Mary Beth O’Donoghue from the island expressed great interest in partaking in the Bliain na Gaeilge ‘as Gaeilge’ football camp.
They valiantly coached the children in less than ideal weather and pitch conditions on the day.
Volunteers from the local secondary school, Coláiste na Sceilge, Julia Cooper, Donncha Lyne, Ben Egan, Lyndia Clem O’Sullivan, Mary Ellen Bolger and Cautie O Sullivan also helped out.
Almost 100 t-shirts, with a choice of white or pink, displaying the Bliain na Gaeilge Lógó, were ordered for each child who registered for the event, with one for every coach and volunteer. A €500 grant via Conradh na Gaeilge was secured, helping with running costs. This helped keep the registration fee for parents low at €15 euro per child, including the cost of the t-shirt. Club Chairperson Deirdre Lyne was very supportive of hosting a football camp via the medium of Irish. Oifigeach chultúir Sorcha Ní Mhurchú, involved in organising the event, was delighted with the high level of interest in the Bliain na Gaeilge celebrations here on the Island. The organisers didn’t get a chance to advertise the event on social media, as parents quickly heard about the event via word of mouth, the old fashioned way, and registered early.
They want to thank all the parents who supported the event, which marks 125 years since efforts got underway in the 1890s to revive the use of the Irish language.