Learn Irish while having fun at the O’Raghallaigh’s centre
One of the biggest complaints you’ll hear from young people when learning Irish in school is when do they ever really get to use the Cupla Focail outside of school?
Sure, most youngsters spend a few weeks of their summer holidays now totally immersed in all things Gaeilge, but with the fear of God that one word As Bearla, and you’re on the bus back home!
Well, a new youth club in Drogheda is changing all that, by providing a fun and relaxed place where children and young adults from 10 to 18 can use their Irish in a more informal setting.
Colaiste na bhFiann Irish Language Youth Club will be held in O’Raghaillaigh’s GFC every Wednesday evening from 5pm to 6.30pm, and all are welcome to attend, no matter what your level of Irish.
“The club is just a normal setting outside of school to use your Irish language and have a bit of craic with your friends at the same time,” explains club co-ordinator Páidí Mac Mathúna.
“It’s very relaxed, and the members can use whatever Irish they have without a fear of being thrown out if they only know a word in English!”
The club is open to boys and girls, and members are encouraged to come up with their own ideas for activities each week.
“Whether it is board games, card games, singing, music, quizzes or a ceili, we like the groups to be member-led, and encourage first-timers to bring along a friend so they are not coming in on their own,” adds Paidi.
“You don’t have to join immediately either, and you can just come along for a few weeks and try it out, but most people want to stay.”
There are around 45 or 50 of the clubs around the country, and Drogheda is the second in Co Louth, alongside Dundalk.
The club runs from September to March each year, breaking for midterm and Christmas.
Come along to O’Raghaillaigh’s, North Road, Drogheda, this and each Wednesday at 5pm to find out more and join in the fun!