Going all out for Seachtain na Gaeilge
‘SURGING’ interest in our native tongue is leading to something of a revival of the Irish language in North Kerry as Seachtain na Gaeilge gets underway.
And one of its most iconic native speakers and a sporting legend is coming to Listowel to get the festivities underway.
Three-time All Ireland winner Dara Ó Cinnéide arrives to the focal point of the Seachtain na Gaeilge festivities – St John’s Cultural and Arts Centre – on Friday morning next, March 1, to launch the first Ciorcal Comhrá in a new series, at 11am.
It’s one of a number of events for Seachtain na Gaeilge, which runs nationally from March
1 until St Patrick’s Day, including a Pop-Up Gaeltacht at John B Keane’s Bar on Friday, March 8, at 9pm; following on from the most recent pop-up there on Friday night last, held amid a great turnout.
Conamara theatre company Cumann Drámaíochta Chois Fharraige are also coming to North Kerry with their asGaeilge production of John B’s Big Maggie, on Saturday, March 9, at St John’s.
Áine Ní Chuaig of St John’s – herself a native speaker – said the team was inspired to put the programme together by what she said is the ‘surge of interest’ in the language locally.
“We’re planning a monthly event, held on the first Friday of the month at 11am, a relaxed coffee morning vibe for those who would like to practice or improve their Irish. Anybody who has an interest in the language or would like to learn more about our culture and tradition is very welcome,” Áine said.
Bilingual Moyvane poet Gabriel
Fitzmaurice will be at the helm of the ‘Ciorcal Comhrá’ and will steer the event in an informal manner.
And Gabriel is only delighted to welcome his friend Dara Ó Cinnéide to St John’s to officiate at the launch of the first instalment.
Dara’s 2004 All Ireland winning speech when he lifted the Sam as captain of the Kerry team still resonates across the county, such was its historic import for the Kingdom and its precious Gaeltacht.
He is also, of course, a prominent journalist, TV broadcaster with TG4 and senior radio broadcaster with RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.
Mar a dúirt John O’Dowd sa Kerryman i Deireadh Fómhair 2021: “When Dara Ó Cinnéide speaks it is always worth listening.”
“Agus b’fhíor dhó,” Áine said, adding:
“Tá muid thar a bheith sásta go mbeidh Dara linn mar aoi-speisialta don seoladh oifigiúil.
“He is passionate about the language and the Gaeltacht, and a great supporter of events which promote the Irish language here at St. John’s.”
On Saturday 9th, an Irish language version of John B. Keane’s ‘Big Maggie’ will be staged by a Conamara Theatre Group. Cumann Drámaíochta Chois Fharraige as they complete their tour of the Gaeltachtaí – in Listowel.
The play is directed by Eoghan Ó Riada and was translated by Bridie Ní Churraoin, who plays the part of Maggie Polpin. The show starts at 8pm and tickets €15 can be purchased at www.stjohnstheatre.ie or by calling 068-22566.
The Pop-Up Gaeltacht is meanwhile going from strength to strength at John B. Keane’s Bar.
The Seachtain na Gaeilge Pop-Up Gaeltacht takes place on Friday, March 8, at 9pm.