Mayo school hailed for use of Irish language

Students from Dooagh National School were presented with a Gaelbhratach (Irish flag) at a ceremony in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, last week. 

Taking part in drumming and music workshops and helping to launch a language plan in Achill are just some of the activities set up and run by the student committee in Dooagh National School. 

Run by Gael Linn, ‘Gaelbhratach' is a national initiative that encourages primary and secondary school students to speak Irish outside of the formal classroom setting. Over 70 flags were awarded to primary school students across Ireland - the most awarded in any one year. Flags are awarded in recognition of their efforts to inspire and empower their school communities to speak Irish.

Barry Ó Siochrú, the first full-time Irish language officer in the Students' Union, University of Galway, was the MC for the event and Niamh Ní Chróinín, presenter at TG4, presented the flags to students.

Ms Ní Chróinín said: “Congratulations to all the dedicated students who are using Irish in such fun and exciting ways. Being able to speak Irish has brought me so many opportunities and it is so encouraging to see so many young people engage with the language. The Gaelbhratach scheme is a fantastic way for students to take charge of their own use of the language, bring it into everyday life and make it enjoyable.” 

Edel Ní Bhraonáin, Bainisteoir Gaelbhratach, said: “We are delighted to award primary school students from Dooagh with a Gaelbhratach. Gaelbhratach gives young people of all backgrounds the opportunity to use and develop their Irish language skills in an interactive and non-traditional way. 

"The programme aims to put the student voice at the centre of their learning through the Gaelbhratach committee. The role of this student-led committee is to direct the Gaelbhratach activities throughout the school year - empowering students in Mayo to take ownership of how and when they use their Irish.

“We have new schools hoping to join the scheme each year and it is inspiring to see young people’s passion for the language. The most rewarding part of the scheme is hearing feedback, from students and teachers alike, on how they have integrated the language into their everyday lives and the impact it has had.” Gaelbhratach is an Irish language scheme focused on promoting Irish in primary and secondary schools around the country. Each year, Gaelbhratach organises the post-primary Gaelbhratach Awards Ceremony to celebrate the significant contributions made by teachers and students around the country towards the promotion of the Irish language in their schools.