Latest news with #Gaelbhratach
Irish Independent
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wicklow students given award for breathing life into Irish language
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, and when schools complete certain targets, they are awarded a 'Gaelbhratach' flag. Among the attendees were pupils from Scoil Naomh Iósaf, Baltinglass, who were recognised for their promotion of the Irish language through activities set up and run by the student committee, including Irish speaking competitions, yard games in Irish and by learning Irish songs and dances. As part of the celebrations at the awards ceremony, the students from Wicklow enjoyed interactive games led by former 'Gaelbhratach' committee members Máire Ní Churraoin and Barry ó Siochriú. Entertainment by Giggles the clown and games included an obstacles course, tug of war, a céilí and a well-earned ice cream to wrap up the day. A total of 163 flags were awarded to primary schools this year – over double the figure from last year – in recognition of the students' efforts to inspire and empower their school communities to speak Irish. In May of this year, a further 140 flags were presented to students from post-primary schools. Edel Ní Bhraonáin, Bainisteoir Gaelbhratach said: 'We were delighted to be back in Roscrea last week for the 'Gaelbhratach' awards. 'Gaelbhratach' gives young people of any age or background the opportunity to use and develop their Irish language skills outside of the traditional classroom setting. The programme aims to put the student voice at the centre of their learning through the 'Gaelbhratach' committee. The 'Gaelbhratach' initiative empowers students in Wicklow to take active ownership of their language use and learning while promoting Irish in meaningful, self-directed ways. 'The scheme is going from strength to strength each year, with over 90 primary schools taking part in the initiative for this first time this year. It's inspiring to see young people's growing passion for the language. The most rewarding part of the scheme is hearing feedback from both students and teachers about how they've woven the language into their daily lives and the positive impact it has made.'
Irish Independent
17-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Kerry students recognised for efforts to promote Irish language outside the classroom
The students, hailing from Castleisland Community College, Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Tralee, Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne and St Brigid's Secondary School Killarney, were honoured at a ceremony at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick this week. The students were involved in committees which organised initiatives to promote the Irish language in their schools. These initiatives included an Irish language tech workshop, an art competition, a céilí, set dancing, singing workshops and a treasure hunt. St Brigid's Secondary School was also awarded a special prize 'Is maith an scéalaí an aimsir' for particularly outstanding work inspiring other schools with their creative ideas on social media. This award was revealed as a surprise during the presentation of flags. The Kerry students received flags for their schools in the eleventh year of Gaelbhrathach, which is a national scheme run by Gael Linn that encourages primary and secondary students to speak Irish outside the classroom. A total of 130 flags have been awarded to post-primary schools this year – almost double the figure from last year. Flags were awarded in recognition of students' efforts to inspire and empower their school communities to speak Irish. Edel Ní Bhraonáin, bainisteoir gaelbhratach said the initiative gives young people of any age or background the opportunity to use and develop their Irish language skills outside of the traditional classroom setting. 'The programme aims to put the student voice at the centre of their learning through the Gaelbhratach committee. The student-led committee plays a central role in guiding Gaelbhratach initiatives throughout the school year, empowering students in Kerry to take active ownership of their language use and learning while promoting Irish in meaningful, self-directed ways,' Ms Ní Bhraonáin said. 'The scheme is going from strength to strength, with 65 schools being awarded a flag for the first time this year. It's inspiring to see young people's growing passion for the language. The most rewarding part of the scheme is hearing feedback from both students and teachers about how they've woven the language into their daily lives and the positive impact it has made.'
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Award for Summerhill College students for promoting the Irish language
A treasure hunt, concerts, debates and quizzes in Irish are just some of the activities set up and run by the student committee in Sligo that was recognised for its promotion of the Irish language. 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. Students from Sligo attended the ceremony which marked the 11th year of the scheme in post-primary schools. A total of 130 flags have been awarded to post-primary schools this year – almost double the figure from last year. Flags were awarded in recognition of students' efforts to inspire and empower their school communities to speak Irish. Commenting on the awards, Edel Ní Bhraonáin, Bainisteoir Gaelbhratach said: 'Gaelbhratach gives young people of any age or background the opportunity to use and develop their Irish language skills outside of the traditional classroom setting. The programme aims to put the student voice at the centre of their learning through the Gaelbhratach committee. "The student-led committee plays a central role in guiding Gaelbhratach initiatives throughout the school year, empowering students in Sligo and beyond to take active ownership of their language-use and learning while promoting Irish in meaningful, self-directed ways. 'The scheme is going from strength to strength, with 65 schools being awarded a flag for the first time this year. It's inspiring to see young people's growing passion for the language. The most rewarding part of the scheme is hearing feedback from both students and teachers about how they've woven the language into their daily lives and the positive impact it has made.'
