St Paul’s GAA club honoured for work with Irish language

Daire O’ Dubhthaigh, Irish language developer was invited to Croke Park along with Philip Mallon, a club Trustee, and Micheal Smyth the Irish Language officer to receive a 1,000 Euro cheque for their club and a lunch with fellow province winners, the Glór Na nGael’s committee and President of the GAA Aogán Ó Fearghail.

They will also be participating in this year’s competition ‘Turas teanga’. It aims to support each club in developing the Irish language.

Áinín Ní hAchaidh of Turas Teanga (Language Journey) said: “Many of those who were actively promoting Gaelic games were also promoting the Irish language. An Ghaeilge has always had a central role in the GAA and now your club is invited to join in a language journey or Turas Teanga to ensure a place and space in the club for the Irish language. By signing up for this language journey GAA clubs declare their commitment to protect and preserve the Irish language for coming generations.”

St Paul’s plan on using the upcoming Turas Teanga competition to promote, develop and enjoy the Irish Language in the club and Taghenaven area. “Beidh muid abalta ár dteanga dhúchais a cur chun cinn sa club leis an comortas nua seo. Creidim go bhfuil an comórtas seo deis iontach leis an ghaeilge a cuir lámh le láimh leis an pheil mar ba chóir dó a bheith sa GAA,” Daire O’Dubhthaigh said.

When the club signs up they receive a pack to help in taking simple positive steps to promote the language . There are many ways to promote the Irish language within your club, even for those with little or no Irish and this project aims to draw the clubs attention to the many ways this can be done and to continue building on the great work being done all over the country. Finally by signing up the club could win a prize for participating in the language journey.

Naomh Pól has urged all clubs to take advantage of this great scheme and for more information visit their website, [email protected] phone Áinín Ní Eachdaidh on 07749126949.

There is a charge of €30 / £23 approx (check rate of the day) to sign up for the project. Included in the pack is invaluable advice and examples of best practices from all over the island. It is hope to give back up to local Irish Language and Cultural Officers.