Our new term of Irish classes at The Arches Hotel in Claregalway is now fully sold out.

The new term, which begins tomorrow (Tuesday, January 13), will run for eight weeks and there are two levels of classes – for Beginners and Intermediates.

We put a couple of extra places on sale for the Intermediate class (8.30 to 9.30pm), but the classes fully sold out last night, two days before the start of the courses. Just as our first term of evening classes for adults sold out back in October.

While it is frustrating to have to turn people away at this stage, we are thrilled by the interest which adults in Gaeltacht an Eachréidh have shown in engaging with our native language.

It seems to be following a pattern throughout the country and indeed, our Irish Language Planning Officer, Ciaran Tierney, spoke about the huge revival of interest in Irish on Raidio na Gaeltachta last week. Irish is becoming “cool” now and it is wonderful to see courses selling out, he said.

“Our only regret now is that people may be disappointed to miss out on a place,” says Ciaran.

“But we are making progress bringing the Irish language back to the heart of the community in Claregalway, Carnmore, and Annaghdown. There is huge goodwill towards the language now and the success of our adult classes and the weekly ‘Ciorcal Comhrá’ at The Arches shows that the interest is there, which is fantastic.

“When I started in this role, we had very litte infrastructure in place and it felt as though it was hard to make progress. Thanks to our partnership with The Arches, and having a local teacher available who lives in Claregalway, it is fantastic to be able to offer classes to adults on a weekday evening. The atmosphere is fantastic in the classes and I would urge those taking part in the second class to join us on Thursdays to practice their ‘cúpla focail’ in a social setting.”

We are looking forward to welcoming everyone who has registered at The Arches Hotel tomorrow night. The classes will be from 7.15 to 8.15pm (Beginners) and 8.30 to 9.30pm (Intermediate).

If you have bought your ticket for the classes, please turn up about 15 minutes prior to the start to register and get settled in. Young teacher Máire Nic Oireaachtaigh is looking forward to welcoming new students, as well as those who were with her before the holidays.

“Walk ins” will not be accepted at The Arches, it was only fair that we gave everyone an equal chance to register last week after giving first preference to those who were already with us from October to December.

Míle buiochas!

 

 

Múinteoir Máire ag an gclár bán