Gaeilge advocates in Leitrim to join forces this month for language growth

Supporters of the Irish language in Leitrim will come together on Thursday, November 13, at the Allen Gaels clubhouse in Shane McGettigan Park, Drumshanbo, from 7pm to 8:30pm, to review progress made in promoting Gaeilge across the county and to plan future initiatives for its continued growth.

Tionól Gaeilge Liatroma is the annual get-together of a growing network of individuals who run Irish classes and Ciorcail Chomhrá (conversation groups) throughout the county, as well as Irish-language activities for youth groups. Most of these classes are run on a voluntary basis, and attendance is free of charge.

Since their meeting this time last year, the main organiser, Seán Ó Súilleabháin, has highlighted significant progress, including the establishment of new classes and Ciorcail Chomhrá in Mohill and Drumshanbo for the first time in many years.

Describing the positive momentum, Seán said, “There is an ever-increasing interest and enthusiasm for the Irish language in the county at the moment, with two thriving Gaelscoileanna, Gaelscoil Liatroma i gCora Droma Rúisc and Gaelscoil Chluainín i gCluainín.

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“There were already Ciorcail Chomhrá groups in Ballinamore, Manorhamilton, Leitrim Village and Dromahair. Cumann na bhFiann run youth clubs through the medium of Irish in Drumshanbo and Ballinamore. There are branches of Conradh na Gaeilge in Ballinamore and Manorhamilton as well as Glór na nGael.”

One of the key developments they hope will progress through the Tionól is the appointment of a full-time Oifigeach Gaeilge within Leitrim County Council to further support the growth of the language locally.

Seán Ó Súilleabháin added that they would particularly like to see more primary school teachers, as well as secondary-school Irish teachers, attending the Tionól, as they are all part of the “family” ensuring that Irish remains alive and well in Leitrim.

Beidh fáilte roimh duine ar bith go bhfuil spéis acu sa Ghaeilge bualadh isteach ar an Tionól ar an Déardaoin. Má tá eolas ar bith uait, is féidir glaoch nó téacs ar Seán Ó Súilleabháin ag 087 6821566.

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