Promoting the Irish language in Leitrim - Major event held in Drumshanbo

On Friday, October 17, a most significant gathering of those involved in promoting the Irish language in Leitrim took place in the Allen Gaels GAA clubhouse in Drumshanbo.

Tionól Gaeilge Liatroma 2023, was the biggest such event in the county for many years.

The first half of the Tionól had presentations from people who are currently involved in promoting the language. Many were surprised at the level of activity, much of it happening without much fuss or attention. The presence of two very successful Gaelscoileanna in the county is a major plus.

The Príomhoide of Gaelscoil Liatroma, Caitríona Nic Chonchradha, and the Leas-Phríomhoide of Gaelscoil Chluainín, Mairéad Ní Ghonlaigh spoke, as did Barra Mac Tiarnáin on behalf of Cumann na bhFiann who run clubanna óige in Ballinamore and Drumshanbo.

The Manorhamilton area is probably the strongest in relation to Irish language activity and Prin Ó Duigneáin spoke about the onstage activity of Spleodar, a professional theatre company which produces plays “as Gaeilge agus as Béarla”.

Éigse Chluainín is a big annual arts and culture event in Manorhamilton, due to take place from November 24-26 this year.

There are Ciorcail Chomhrá (Irish conversation groups) in a number of areas in Leitrim, in Dromahair, Leitrim Village, Manorhamilton, with the best known and most extensive one being in Ballinamore.

The Ciorcal Comhrá in Ballinamore attracts a large number of participants from a wide area, and parts of Longford and Cavan.

Running for about seventeen years now, it has conversation groups at all levels, from beginners to fluent.

A new series will resume in early January 2024. Others who spoke were Sinéad Ní Mhearnóg from Glór na nGael and Tadhg Ó Duigneáin representing a Ciorcal Comhra group from the adjacent Ardcarne area in Ros Comáin.

The second half of the Tionól was devoted to the further promotion of the language in the county.

There was unanimous agreement on the need for Comhairle Contae Liatroma to employ a full-time Oifigeach Gaeilge to promote Irish language activity throughout the county. Currently, everything is dependent on voluntary effort. Many counties now have a full-time Oifigeach Gaeilge.

Seán Ó Murchadha from Conradh na Gaeilge spoke of the need for better organisational structure to the Irish language movement in the county. Much of what is happening at the moment is dependant on the work and enthusiasm of individuals.

Currently, there are branches of Conradh na Gaeilge in Ballinamore and Manorhamilton and it was agreed to expand those to be the basis for Irish language promotion, one for North Leitrim and one for South Leitrim.

Oíche thábhachtach a bhí ann, agus tús nua, b’fhéidir, ar chur chun cinn na teanga i gContae Liatroma.

Anyone with an interest in the promotion of the language or about Irish classes please contact Seán Ó Súilleabháin at 087 6821566.