Well done to the adult learners in Claregalway who completed our latest term of Irish classes at The Arches Hotel this week.

Since last October, we have been thrilled by the interest in our native language among adults in Gaeltacht an Eachréidh and the atmosphere was fantastic in both classes.

The first two terms sold out completely in October and January, which shows that it’s not just Kneecap and An Cailin Ciún who are reconnecting with our native language.

Such was the interest, indeed, that a crew from Nuacht TG4 travelled to Claregalway to cover the start of our sold out second term in January!

As we take a break for the summer holidays, we would like to thank local teacher Máire Nic Oireachtaigh for the professionalism, enthusiasm, and fun she brought to the Tuesday night classes over the past three terms.

Máire is facing into her final year at university next year, so we may be on the lookout for a new teacher for the Autum, depending on her schedule. We would also love to be in a position to provide more classes next winter.

If anyone knows of an Irish teacher who would be available to teach adults in Claregalway in the evenings from September, please email Ciaran at optanteachreidh@gmail.com

The role of Ciaran, our Irish Language Planning Officer, is to boost and revive the use of Irish in Claregalway, Carnmore, and Annaghdown. And what better way than by commiting to a weekly class to improve your Irish which may be “rusty” since school!

Máire’s modern teaching methods had the learners breaking into groups and playing games, many said it was the complete opposite of their experience of learning Irish in school.

“Is fearr Gaeilge briste ná Béarla cliste!” joked Máire on her last evening with the Beginners class – broken Irish is better than clever English, as the old saying goes!

One enthusiastic member of our Beginners’ class actually grew up in the United States, the son of a native Irish speaker from Claregalway. He has made great progress in reconnecting with the langauge of his ancestors.

We really hope to be in a position to advertise Irish classes again after the summer holidays and we are urging people to stay in touch by joining our WhatsApp community, where we keep people updated about Irish language activities, tours, and events, on a a regular basis.

Maith sibh!

 

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Our beginners’ class pictured together before the summer break.