A NEW Irish language event will make its debut in several locations around Clarecastle commencing this week.
Deireadh Seachtaine na Gaeilge will see a variety of events taking place across three days to celebrate the Irish language in the run up to St.Patrick’s Day. The event aims to cater for all ages and gaeilge abilities.
Deireadh Seachtaine na Gaeilge will kick off on Friday March 7 with a Pop up gaeltacht in Kate O’Reilly’s pub, starting at 8pm. There will be live trad music from fiddle player River McGann, joined by Clarecastle native Jack Dillen and sixth year student in Gaelcholáiste an Chláir Evan Ó Cualian
A teddy bears picnic (Picnic na mBéar) for three to six olds will be held in Clarecastle NS. Author Julie Anne de Brún will share some scéalta with the children and their teddy bears.
On Saturday afternoon Clarecastle GAA will host an Irish language football blitz. Clarecastle, Éire Óg, Cooraclare, and St. Breckan’s GAA Club will compete in the blitz. Each of these team were recipients of a Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha award in 2024 for their efforts to promote the Irish language throughout the club. The blitz will begin at 12:30 pm at Clarecastle GAA. The cup, sponsored by An Chláir as Gaeilge, will be presented to the winners at the pitch at 2pm.
A yoga (íoga) class through Irish will be held on Sunday morning in Cafe Hurst at 9:30am. To finish up the weekend this week’s 12 o’clock mass will embrace the Irish language by integrating some gaeilge into the morning rituals. The Clarecastle children’s choir will be performing a selection of hymns tríd gaeilge.
This debut Irish language weekend is organised by the Irish language and Culture Officer of Clarecastle GAA club, Síle Ní Dheargain. Síle started in the role last year making this her first Seachtaine na Gaeilge as part of the GAA club committee.
Since starting in the role Síle explained that although it can be difficult to promote the Irish language in an area which is not a gealtacht, she has found great support within the community.
“It’s difficult to run these kinds of events when you aren’t in an Irish speaking community but it’s important to me to have it around me and for my own kids coming up through the primary school I’d like to have it as part of our lives. The most important thing is there is buy-in from the community. From the start the community has been supportive of Irish language events”.
