Gráinne Mhaol V Queen Elizabeth I, Official Opening of Market Lane Open Air Chessboard, Westport, 5:00 p.m. Saturday 27th August 2011Gráinne Mhaol and Queen Elizabeth I will be going head to head once more. Centuries after their famous meeting in London the two adversaries and their armies will face one another for an epic battle, this time on the chess board.
Westport’s latest attraction, an Open Air Chess Board in Market Lane will be officially opened Saturday 27th August at 5:00p.m. The unveiling of the hand crafted chess pieces will be celebrated with an evening of entertainment, spórt agus spraoi open to all. Bígí linn to enjoy a chess demonstration, chess lessons, music & other fun board games. Don your royal robes & pirate rags for the best dressed king and queen competition. The evening will finish up with a film at the open air cinema. Beidh Fáilte Mhór roimh gach duine; from chess enthusiasts to those of us who just haven’t a clue!
Ficheall Shaor Amuigh Faoin Spéir will be officially opened by Úna O Boyle. Úna, a chess champion, author of the first ever chess book as Gaeilge ‘Ficheall’ which was recently published and featured on RTE’s Nationwide. Úna is also a lead singer of award-winning Celtic fusion group Hyper[borea].
Westport Chess Club will be on hand to provide lessons and advice to chess novices and enthusiasts alike. They will also show us their skills on the board with a game demonstration and the Grand Master Challenge. Spot prizes will be awarded for the best chess moves.
This outdoor chessboard, situated on Market Lane, is the first of it’s kind in Ireland and will be open to the public daily from 10:00a.m to 5:00p.m and free to use. The beautiful chess pieces which stand two foot tall made from Irish Oak and Douglas Fir are handcrafted by Craobh Eo woodturners. Designed by DLMDesign the pieces have a distinctive local interest; The two queens represent local pirate queen Gráinne Mhaol and her powerful adversary Queen Elizabeth I, who famously met one another in London in the 16th century. The rooks are designed to characterize Gráinne’s Rockfleet Castle which stands to this day near Newport and a typical Norman castle. Each chess piece is inscribed with it’s name as Gaeilge.
This is a local initiative undertaken by Market Lane Business Association with local support in partnership with Gnó Mhaigh Eo, Brawn’s Flowers, DLM Design and Craobh Eo Woodturners. It aims to enhance business in Market Lane by creating a cultural and entertainment area while promoting the use of the Irish language.
This project concept was initiated by David Le Masney, DLMDesign & Tom Brawn, Brawn’s Flowers whose businesses both overlook the chess board. Having seen examples of such chess boards throughout Europe David felt that Westport should have one of its own. Anna Ní Chárthaigh from Gnó Mhaigh Eo said “We were delighted to have been able to make the link with the Craobh Eo woodturners, members of which are using Irish to diversify their products and attract customers.”
Willie Creighton, one of the Craobh Eo woodturners involved, has begun to use the Irish language to create a niche market for his business. He has diversified his business by developing bilingual woodturning workshops. In these he explains the history of the tool names through Irish and the types of woods etc. He will deliver a demonstration on the day where you can see how the chess pieces were made. Willie has also produced bilingual brochures and advertising materials, one of many businesses who have recognised how Irish can be used to attract customers. Gnó Mhaigh Eo offer advice, support and translation services for businesses that are interested in using the Irish language in their business, through bilingual signage, advertising, stationery, packaging, websites etc. Gnó Mhaigh Eo can be contacted at eolas@gnomhaigheo.ie or on 098-26555. Alternatively questions about the chess project can be referred to David Le Masney, DLMDesign at david@dlmdesign.ie or 085-1667052.
Westport Heritage Day Sunday 7th Aug 2011 12-5pm
Come along and join us on this year’s Heritage Day, Lá Oidhreachta Chathair na Mart while we take a look back in time on life in Ireland fadó. This day is full of activities for all the family with a huge variety of Musical, Poetry and Drama entertainers on the day. The Mall in Westport will be full of tradesmen and women selling their produce and demonstrating showing how things were done generations before the Ipod!!! The mall will be vibrant engrossing you for hours with spinners, butter makers, wood turners, potters, a tin maker, basket makers, bee-keepers and jewellery makers.
With a huge display of Vintage Cars, Honda 50’s, Thrashers, and Tractors on the Fairgreen there really is something for everyone in Westport on this day.
Not only will there be a farm at this heritage day but we will also show you the range of animals that live in Ireland now.
Local artists, including a Street Céilí with the Matt Cunningham Band will be taking stage including Sean Nós & Damhsa Seit
Children’s Entertainment will include wonderful Interactive Storytelling Shows of Cú Chulainn & Grainne Mhaol, Poetry Reading and Drama’s.
Guided Historical Tours of Westport will commence all day to discover Cathair na Mart in another way.
This day is a full filled day of activities with NO admission charge. So don’t miss out on a great day for all the family.
There will be two Competitions on the day… A Traditional Music Busking Competition and a Best Heritage Dressed Competition. With Great Prizes to be won!!!
All of you musicians out there, bring along your bosca ceoil and get the streets of Westport dancing again!!!
To get involved please do not hesitate to contact The Westport Heritage Day Committee.
Phone; 098 27375, 098 26555, Email; westportheritageday@gmail.com
Website; www.westportmusicfesival.com
Get your Gnó on Show for Saint Patrick’s Day
Supporting your local business by putting your ‘Gnó (business) on Show’ is this year’s theme during the Saint Patrick’s Day ‘An Flóta is Fearr’ competition in County Mayo. Gnó Mhaigh Eo & Midwest Radio in association with the Chamber of Commerce organisations and the Festival committees are encouraging businesses and float participants to work hand in hand this year to create colourful, imaginative and inspiring floats to showcase local businesses and to promote a partnership approach in the towns.
“This years ‘Gnó on Show’ approach will really help businesses take part in the parades and with the help and support of local organisations, sports clubs and schools we should have a lot more floats in each town” stated President of Castlebar Chamber of Commerce Tom Canavan.
The participating towns for the ‘An Flóta is Fearr’ competition in the Saint Patrick’s Day parades are Ballina, Belmullet, Castlebar, Charlestown, Claremorris, Kiltimagh, Swinford and Westport. Thanks to members of the Parade Committees, Chambers of Commerce organisations for attending the launch last week. A míle buíochas to both the TF Royal Theatre for the venue and the Mayo Arts Squad for the special appearance of ‘Kurt Cobain & Bob Marley’ on the day.
A lot of businesses find it hard to participate in the annual Saint Patrick’s Day float parades as they don’t have the people to create a float or to organise it on the day. This year we are encouraging the local communities to get behind their local business and to create a float between them. There is a prize fund of €2,500 up for grabs and the overall county winner title ‘An Flóta is Fearr i Maigh Eo’.
The ‘An Flóta is Fearr’ award in each town will go to the float that shows use of Irish and the best partnership approach between businesses and local community groups, be it sports clubs, charities, organisations or schools.
The photographs submitted of each town winner will be assessed by a panel of judges and Mid West Radio will award the overall winner of ‘An Flóta is Fearr i Maigh Eo’ with an advertisement package promoting the winning business and group.
How do I take part?
1. Get in touch with your local business or organisation to arrange the partnership
- Bí i dteagmháil le do ghnó áitiúil nó le heagraíocht ar leith sa bhaile
2. Contact your town festival committee to register
- Cláraigh le do choiste áitiúil
3. Create your float & showcase your local business/organisation name, use some Irish & be creative
- Úsáid ainm do ghnó/eagraíocht, an Ghaeilge agus bí nuálaíoch
4. Take photos and upload on Gnó Mhaigh Eo’s Facebook site or email it to eolas@gnomhaigheo.ie
- Glac grianghraif agus seol chugainn iad
5. The Local Town Committee will award the Town winner a cheque for €250
- Duais €250 do gach buaiteoir áitiúil
6. Midwest Radio will award the overall County winner with a prize of an advertising package worth €500 on the radio station. So make sure you take photos as the panel of judges will be viewing these photos to make their decision on the overall Flóta is Fearr in Mayo!!
- Duais iontach fógraíochta seo don ghnó agus an eagraíocht
In order to qualify a Business must be involved in some way with the School, Charity, Sports Club or Organisation. Ádh mór agus bain sult as an lá.
For further details please contact your local Festival Committee or Gnó Mhaigh Eo at eolas@gnomhaigheo.ie or 098-26555.
Westport Heritage Day 2010
‘Lá Oidhreachta Chathair na Mart’ takes place on Sunday August 8th from 2-5pm coinciding with the Westport Music Festival, bringing the weeks celebration to an entertaining and lively end.
The Heather Breeze Céilí Band will provide the music and entertainment this year. The street will be turned into a large céilí floor, so dust down and polish off your “Aon dó trí” in time for the Céilí Mór.
Traditional crafts will be demonstrated all day giving you a chance to catch a glimpse of our traditional styles of spinning, felting, basket making and knitting.
Visitors will also get a chance to taste the specialities that were common fadó such as homemade jams, chutneys, breads and treats.
Clew Bay Heritage Centre will offer guided historical walking tours throughout the day, taking you through the arches of time in Westport.
Lá Oidhreachta guarantees to be a trip down memory lane with plenty to do and see. Come along and don’t forget those dancing shoes!
Volunteers needed: Event Organisation
Are you interested in:
Culture&Heritage Events
Trades&CraftsDisplays&Demonstrations
Traditional Workshops
For more information contact eolas@gnomhaigheo.ie or 098 26555
An All-Ireland Gaeltacht football competition
An All-Ireland Gaeltacht football competition is taking place in Béal an Mhuirthead on the June Bank holiday weekend. This Gaelic football competition attracts teams & supporters from Gaeltacht regions across the country.
You and your business are a crucial factor in ensuring that Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta 2010 is a successful weekend for all in the Erris region. The attraction of domestic visitors is key to the growth of the Erris economy. Over 10,000 Gaeilgeoirí are expected to travel to Béal an Mhuirthead for the comórtas and this is your opportunity to show the other Gaeltacht areas what the Erris region has to offer.
Údarás na Gaeltachta, CLG Béal an Mhuirthead & Erris Chamber invite you, the businesses in Erris to use Irish in your advertising and promotional material for that weekend. Gnó Mhaigh Eo, a Mayo based company offer advice, support & translation services for businesses that are interested in using Irish in their business.
Gnó Mhaigh Eo are offering their translation services free of charge - whether it is a bilingual menu, signage, window displays, posters or brochures you require, we are happy to help you make Irish visible in your business.
Gairdín, Glas agus Gaeilge- An Flóta is Fearr i Maigh Eo
Gaeilge was visible in every St. Patricks Day parade in Mayo this year due to ‘An Flóta is Fearr’, an award for the best bilingual float. Organised in conjunction with Ballina, Castlebar, Charlestown, Claremorris, Swinford and Westport Chambers of Commerce and Kiltimagh IRD and sponsored by Gnó Mhaigh Eo. The winning entry from each parade won €250 and was entered in a county wide competition sponsored by Midwest Radio.
Anna Ní Chárthaigh from Gnó Mhaigh Eo said “it was brilliant to see so many creative Irish floats in the parades throughout Mayo. The aim of this project was to create a bilingual image throughout Mayo on St. Patricks Day.”
The bilingual floats added another cultural dimension to Lá Fhéile Pádraig and the bilingual entries ranged from Pride of Place, Smarter Travel, Movie Magic and a Community Working Together. The winners from each participating parades were: Gaelscoil na Cruaiche, Westport, Gairdín Glas, Castlebar, St. Patricks National School, Charlestown, Gaelscoil Uileog de Burca, Claremorris, Muire & Treasa National School Swinford, Bohola National School, Kiltimagh. and Breaffy National School, Ballina.
And the County winner of ‘An Flóta is fearr’ was recently announced on Tommy Marren’s show on Midwest Radio. Gairdín Glas from Castlebar took this years prize. Tom Ó Toole from Castlebar is a local landscape gardener. He created a very interesting , peaceful garden. His design used local Ballintubber stone. Irish was clearly to be seen on Tom’s float as phrases such as “Bígí Glas” and “Crann sa Ghairdín, O2 san aer’. Tom also played traditional music and this added to the atmosphere on the day.
Tom Ó Toole was delighted and thrilled at being announced as the County Winner of “An Flóta is Fearr”. He said “it was a fantastic opportunity for businesses to use Irish, our native language in their business. Following on he stated: “There’s nothing better than to win a prize for something you really believe in and you have a passion for, for me it’s Gardens, Green & Gaeilge.”
Rith 2010
Rith 2010, begins its race in Belfast. The President Mary Mc Aleese had a message of hope for the Irish language to deliver.
Events Seachtain na Gaeilge
A Historical Tour of Westport, will
take place on Wedensday the 10th at 11:00 a.m. leaving from the Clock.
Brónagh Seoighe from the Clew Bay
Heritage Centre will be leading the
Historical Tour.
Join her and learn more about Westport's history.
Fancy,Lunch with an Irish Twist?
Come along to The Mill Times Hotel, Westport on Saturday the 13th at 1:00 p.m.
Use, Improve and Enjoy your Cúpla Focal.
The "Best Bilingual Float Competition" takes place during the Saint Patricks Day Parade. It will see the towns of Mayo; Castlebar, Westport, Ballina, Kiltimagh, Charlestown, Swinford and Claremorris competiting with one another for the top prize. The Best Bilingual Float Competition is running in conjunction with Mid West Raidio, Gnó Mhaigh Eo, The Chambers of Commerce and Westport Town Council.
Eye Catching Window Display Competitions are also part of this St. Patricks Day Parade. This is organised be Gnó Mhaigh Eo and Westport Chamber of Commerce. Join in on the fun and be apart of the St. Patrciks Day celebrations.
The Best Bilingual Float
Make your business stand out on St. Patrick’s Day
Mayo Chamber of Commerce organisations in association with Gnó Mhaigh Eo will once again be giving special recognition and support to companies and businesses in the county that utilize and promote the Irish Language on their floats and exhibitions during Lá Fhéile Pádraig.
Using the Irish language on business floats or exhibitions attracts more attention, more customers, shows breadth of vision and highlights strong and loyal links to the local community.
Gnó Mhaigh Eo supports companies to target lucrative niche markets and encourage them to use the Irish Language in their marketing, advertising and communications. The competitive edge in Business is now more important than ever and using the Irish Language as a marketing tool this year during Lá Fhéile Pádraig will give businesses the competitive edge.
The Mayo Chamber of Commerce organisations, Business Development Groups, Mid West Radio and Gnó Mhaigh Eo are encouraging businesses and organisations to use the Irish Language in this years St. Patrick’s Day ‘An Flóta is fearr’ competition where a special promotion campaign will be awarded to the overall County winner .
The towns taking part are Ballina, Castlebar, Charlestown, Claremorris, Kiltimagh, Swinford, and Westport. The overall best county float ‘An Flóta is fearr i Maigh Eo’ will be chosen from the seven local winners by a panel of judges; the prize fund is worth €2500.
“The objective of this initiative is to promote the Irish Language in a fun way on the floats that take part in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade” said Anna Ní Chárthaigh of Gnó Mhaigh Eo. “We are delighted to be associated with the Business groups throughout Mayo in helping businesses use the Irish Language to their benefit during Ireland’s most popular cultural celebration on Lá Fhéile Pádraig”.
For more information contact your Local Chamber of Commerce or Gnó Mhaigh Eo on 098 26555.
Use your Cúpla Focal
Use your Cúpla Focal online this St. Patrick’s Day
Gnó Mhaigh Eo in conjunction with Mayo County Council are encouraging businesses and individuals throughout Mayo to take part in the global online celebration that is ‘Lá na Gaeilge ar Líne’ as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge this year. Lá na Gaeilge ar Líne’ will take place on St. Patrick’s Day and businesses throughout Mayo get a chance to show off their ‘cúpla focal’ in their online correspondence that day.
There’s no limit on the amount of Irish that you can use, be it in your emails, facebook, twitter, blogs or any other online material. A simple few Irish words at the beginning and end of each message will suffice.
The creators of ‘Lá na Gaeilge ar líne’ have several ways of monitoring the amount of Irish used on the day and all details about the initiative can be found on www.lnag.org or from Gnó Mhaigh Eo. ‘Lá na Gaeilge also have a facebook page (Lnag Lá Na Gaeilge) and facebook group (http://tinyurl.com/ybb8jg3 which you can join or “make friends” with Gaeilge Mhaigh Eo - the Facebook page for Irish speakers and learners in Mayo or follow GaeilgeMhaighEo on Twitter.
“We would also encourage businesses to use some Irish on their websites for Seachtain na Gaeilge and or St.Patricks Day. This can be a few words on their homepage or a simple ‘Lá Fhéile Pádraig Shona duit!’(Happy St. Patrick’s Day).Gnó Mhaigh Eo are more than happy to help businesses incorporate the Irish language into their online material and will offer every assistance we can”, commented Dianne Seoighe, Gnó Mhaigh Eo’s Translation Manager. Oonagh Kelleher, Irish Language Officer with Mayo County Counil added “This is a great opportunity for people who wouldn’t normally speak Irish to use their cúpla focal online”
Gnó Mhaigh Eo’s broad range of services includes advice, support and translation services for businesses that are interested in using the Irish language in their business.
Gnó Mhaigh Eo and Oifig na Gaeilge Mhaigh Eo have put together a few common Irish Greetings/Farewells which businesses and anyone else who wishes can use on the day. If you’d like to receive your copy of this list just email gaeilge@mayococo.ie or eolas@gnomhaigheo.ie or call 09826555.
So grab this chance and show off your cúpla focal this St. Patrick’s Day.
Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge conducting research on major Irish language issues
The Government’s 20 year strategic plan for the Irish language has been eagerly anticipated for some time.
During the Oireachtas na Gaeilge festival, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., announced that the strategy would be published before the end of the year.
With the pending publication of the 20 year strategy, Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge have formed a working group to research the attitudes of organisations in the Irish language voluntary sector, their vision for the future, as well as to discuss funding methods, and to prepare a discussion paper on this matter.
Due to the co-ordinating role of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, they have been asked by Foras na Gaeilge to prepare a report on the review and rationalisation of the 19 organisations funded by Foras na Gaeilge.
The working group intend to propose recommendations as part of the discussion paper as to the methods of funding most suited to the sector.
The working group have agreed a process to undertake the research to be carried out within a demanding timeframe. The working group have set a goal to complete the research and prepare the discussion paper by the next meeting of the board of An Chomhdháil which is to take place early in December.
A one day seminar will then be held, for the member organisations of An Chomhdháil, and all organisations funded by Foras na Gaeilge, to gather their opinions and feedback on the discussion paper.
Further information about the working group, the research and minutes of meetings held is available here.
www.gaelport.com
17 November 2009
Irish language strategy in final stages - Cowen
The Government’s 20-year strategy for the Irish language was in its final stages of preparation, Taoiseach Brian Cowen said today after the 13th British-Irish Council Summit held in St Helier, Jersey.
He told a press conference that Minister for Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív, who accompanied him to Jersey for the Summit, was putting the final touches to the report. The issue was discussed by a Cabinet subcommittee this week and the report could be completed before Christmas and ready for publication in the New Year, the Taoiseach said, speaking in Irish. “Indigenous, Minority and Lesser-Used Languages” were the main theme of the Summit. The council was established under the terms of the Belfast Agreement and its membership is comprised of the British and Irish governments, the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and the British crown dependencies of the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey.
In a briefing paper for the Summit meeting, Mr Ó Cuív said “with respect to urban areas, my Department has in recent years provided funding to facilitate the establishment of a number of Irish language social and cultural centers in the main urban areas”. “The continued development of such centres is expected to be one of the key components of the Government’s 20-year Strategy for the Irish language which is currently under consideration to which An Taoiseach referred earlier”. “Centres such as these have the potential to nuture new language communities in urban settings and give our languages a new position as living community languages in our cities,” Mr Ó Cuív said. In a joint communiqué after the meeting, the council said that halting the decline in communities with a high-density of minority-language speakers was, “a crucial target in various national strategies tasked with language planning at a community level”. The council also, “noted and acknowledged the benefits in sharing knowledge, ideas and best practice and the diversity in approaches to community language planning”.
The Summit was also attended by former Northern Ireland secretary, now Secretary of State for Wales Peter Hain, representing the British Government; Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, Welsh First Minister Rhodri Morgan (attending his last Summit before retirement) and heads of administration from the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey.
The Irish Times - Deaglán de Bréandún
13 Samhain 2009
www.irishtimes.com
Irish-language paper goes national
Fluent Irish speakers and those with the cupla focal can now read ‘Foinse’, the country’s biggest Irish language newspaper, for free with their Irish Independent every Wednesday.
The newly revitalised ‘Foinse’ is to be distributed every week from this Wednesday, ensuring it reaches more than 150,000 people through the Irish Independent, the largest selling national quality daily in Ireland. Editor Emer Ni Cheidigh said she was “delighted” that ‘Foinse’ will, for the first time, be able to achieve a national readership on a scale well beyond what it had been able to achieve in the past. “This is the first time in the history of Irish language newspapers that we will be able to reach this amount of people. When we finished last June, we had a circulation of 4,500. Reaching this number of people is huge for us,” she said. ‘Foinse’, which is based in the Connemara Gaeltacht, was forced to cease publication in June after advertising income plummeted 75pc. The new ‘Foinse’ has been enhanced to give it a fresh and contemporary view of Ireland, the Irish language and culture. In its first edition this week, readers will be able to review fashion tips from ‘Paisean Faisean’ presenter Blathnaid Ni Dhonnchadha, a blog from international track-and-field athlete David Gillick and an insight into the Lions Tour from travel guru Hector O hEochagain.
Alongside weekly contributions from presenter Daithi O Se, MP O Conaola and Gemma Ni Chionnaith, people with practically no Irish at all can improve their word power ‘as Gaeilge’ with a special section called ‘Cupla Focal’. “There is a fear towards Irish and some people may feel they are not good enough to buy an Irish language publication. Now that it is more accessible, people may realise they are more competent than they expected,” Ms Ni Cheidigh said. School teachers and students can continue to turn to the regular pages aimed at those sitting their Leaving Certificate. But the ‘Foinse sa Rang’ section has been extended to seven pages of attractively presented learning tools and texts which include articles intended as a resource for primary school students.
Ms Ni Cheidigh said: “The new ‘Foinse’ remains a stand-alone publication and all editorial control continues to remain with the publication and company.” The refreshed ‘Foinse’ publication will employ five full-time staff and utilise a network of correspondents, contributors and services.
Irish Independent - Grainne Cunningham
16 Samhain 2009
www.independent.ie
Irish Independent to distribute Foinse, Ireland ’s biggest Irish language newspaper
Foinse, Ireland’s biggest Irish language newspaper has today announced that it’s newly refreshed Foinse newspaper will be distributed free every Wednesday, starting 18 November with the Irish Independent, the largest selling national quality daily in Ireland.
Ireland’s biggest Irish language newspaper will now have a weekly circulation of 152,204 through the Irish Independent promoting and encouraging the Irish language and culture on a truly nationwide scale. The newly revitalised Irish language newspaper will bring a fresh and contemporary view of Ireland, the Irish language and culture to over 550,000 new readers both North and South of the Border. In its first edition this November, readers will be able to review contributions by Daithí Ó Sé, M.P Ó Conaola, Bláthnaid Ní Dhonnchadha, Gemma Ní Chionnaith, Hector Ó hEochagáin and David Gillick. Foinse will also feature seven pages of attractively presented learning tools and texts for all ages and levels of knowledge.
Leaving Certificate students will once again be able to draw on Foinse sa Rang articles as a vital resource in preparation for the Irish examinations while Foinse Óg is now providing an Irish educational resource for primary school students. Speaking on the announcement, Emer Ní Chéidigh, editor of Foinse, said, “This is truly a landmark day for the promotion of the Irish language. Not only is Foinse back in production but now through the established circulation of the Irish Independent, the Irish language will be brought into every household and family in Ireland.” Continuing, Emer Ní Chéidigh, said, “The new Foinse remains a stand alone publication and all editorial control continues to remain with the publication and company. We are delighted to form this new relationship with the Irish Independent and to leverage its distribution and resources. We are also delighted for the traditional Foinse readers, who have helped protect and nurture the Irish language and we hope that they enjoy our refreshed format.”
The publication which has been out of circulation since June had a previous circulation of 4,500. The newly refreshed Foinse publication will employ five full time employees and also utilise a network of correspondents, contributors and services and is a wholly privately funded company.
Irish Independent
14 Samhain 2009
www.independent.ie
Westport Shop ‘n Spraoi na Nollag 2009
20,000 visitors are expected to visit the 3 day Market in Westport where Mayo Artisan Producers will be participating under one umbrella in order to gain maximum national recognition for their quality products déanta i Maigh Eo (Made in Mayo).
The Déanta i Maigh Eo initiative is supported by The Mayo Development Board, Leader, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Gnó Mhaigh Eo, Teagasc, the HSE and members of the Country and Street Markets in Mayo. The initiative will highlight the benefits of working in partnership and will help establish a network of Mayo Producers and Support Agencies in order to sustain indigenous enterprises in Rural Mayo. The Market will mark the launch of the Déanta i Maigh Eo initiative and will target a local, national and international audience.
Westport is a quality tourism destination that is recognized nationally for its high standards. The Mall area is an idyllic centrally located venue where Artisan producers can exhibit and promote their produce to a wide audience.
Christmas cabins and marketing materials will be provided to enhance the Christmas atmosphere and make the market a truly unique and authentic experience.
Gradam Gnó le Gaeilge (Business through Irish Award)
This award recognises businesses that use the Irish language as a tool for business or as a method in their marketing / communications to enhance their competitive advantage. This award is open to all businesses located in County Mayo.
The closing date for applications is Friday, 25th September. Information on all the Business awards is available from all the Mayo Chamber offices or from Gnó Mhaigh Eo.
This year the Gnó le Gaeilge Award is sponsored by Gnó Mhaigh Eo in partnership with Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 – Dréacht-Scéim á hUllmhú ag Údaráis Áitiúla Mhaigh Eo.
Tá sé i gceist ag Údaráis Áitiúla Mhaigh Eo scéim nua don tréimhse 2010-2013 a dhréachtadh de réir Alt 11 d’Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003. Is é bun-chuspóir an Achta ná a chinntiú go mbeadh fáil níos mó ar sheirbhísí poiblí trí Ghaeilge agus go mbeadh siad ar chaighdeán níos airde.
Tá aighneachtaí maidir le hullmhú na dréacht-scéime á lorg ag Údaráis Áitiúla Mhaigh Eo anois ó aon pháirtithe leasmhara. Ba chóir nach rachaidh na haighneachtaí sin thar 4,000 focal (c.8 leathanach). Ba chóir freisin, go hinmhianaithe, aighneachtaí, a bheidh ar fáil go poiblí ar láithreán gréasáin www.mayococo.ie, a sheoladh isteach go leictreonach chuig gaeilge@mayococo.ie.
Ina ionad sin is féidir iad a sheoladh leis an bpost chuig:
An tOifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge
Comhairle Contae Mhaigh Eo
Áras an Chontae
Caisleán an Bharraigh
Co. Mhaigh Eo
Tá eolas maidir le mandáid agus an ról/na seirbhísí arna soláthar don phobal ag Údaráis Áitiúla Mhaigh Eo ar fáil ar www.mayococo.ie.
Is é an dáta deireanach d’aighneachtaí a bheith faighte ná 5.00 i.n., Dé Luain 31ú Lúnasa.
Tá tuilleadh eolais faoin Acht ar fáil ar láithreán gréasáin na Roinne Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta www.pobail.ie nó ar iarratas trí ríomhphoist chuig achtteanga@pobail.ie.
Graceful pirate sets off on new musical voyage
A new traditional music show based on the real-life story of the legendary Irish pirate chieftain, Grace O’ Malley or Gráinne Mhaol will set sail on her maiden voyage from Westport House this week. Pirate, chieftain, lover and mother in 16th century Ireland Gráinne Mhaol was one of the last Irish clan leaders to resist the English conquest of Gaelic Ireland
‘The Legend of Gráinne Mhaol’ debuts in her home town of Westport, Co. Mayo on Wednesday July 1st and runs at the Castlecourt Hotel for a nine week spell every Wednesday evening during July and August.
This wonderful celebration of Irish music, song and dance is an inspiring epic, reliving the journey of the Irish legend Gráinne Mhaol throughout history. The show is full of energy and enthusiasm and hopes to capture the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures.
‘The Legend of Gráinne Mhaol’ contains a wealth of talented musicians and dancers from all over the west. Lord of the Dance fiddle player Cora Smyth headlines the show with You’re a Star finalist James Kilbane, Latino sensation Pollyanna Guedes, All-Ireland champion box player Darragh Healy and Ireland’s most gifted and best know Sean Nós Dancer Brian Cunningham all on board for the voyage.
The show guarantees to keep audiences of all ages gripped from start to finish as it blends the old and the new; the contemporary and the ancient, the Sean Nós dancing against modern step dancing. The show is bursting with raw energy and is set to thrill audiences during the summer months on its maiden voyage into Westport.
‘The Legend of Gráinne Mhaol’ is an incredible, unique, entertainment show that combines Irish dances with the passionate Latino rhythms of Tango and Salsa in a performance of strength and passion.
Tickets for the show cost €20 and are available from the Castlecourt Hotel at (098) 55088
European Dimension To Conradh’s Campaign
Conradh na Gaeilge will be informing young people of their language rights at home and in Europe and of the benefits of language learning as part of their Glac Leis awareness campaign, with help from the Department of Foreign Affairs under the Communicating Europe Initiative.
Conradh na Gaeilge will be taking their campaign roadshow to Irish colleges across the country again this year to get college cinnirí, or prefects, involved in motivational Glac Leis workshops and to tell all the students about the advantages of having Irish as an official working language at a European level, the services they are entitled to receive through Irish from public bodies at home in Ireland under the Official Languages Act of 2003, and of the job opportunities for them in the future in Ireland and in Europe.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is supporting the Conradh’s Glac Leis campaign which will explain the European Union to the Irish people, improve the quality of communication between the Union and its citizens, and celebrate the connection Ireland enjoys with Europe.
Pádraig Mac Fhearghusa, President of Conradh na Gaeilge said: “The Conradh believes it is vital that we encourage and enable the Irish-language community, especially young Irish speakers, to always to ask for service through Irish from state bodies, public companies and European institutes.” “There are few areas of Irish life which have not been influenced by the European Union in recent years, and the Irish language has been among those benefitting from the European connection; the Conradh is now informing the Irish-speaking community of the advantages and opportunities associated with the language, in Europe and here at home, with the language-rights’ campaign Glac Leis,” he said.
Julian de Spáinn, the Conradh’s General Secretary said: “As well as promoting awareness about the European Union, and explaining what influence it has played on the Irish language and on everyday life in Ireland through our Glac Leis campaign, it is important to impress upon the language community that there is always support available to them to use Irish at home and abroad in Europe.”
Conradh na Gaeilge is advising people to assume that services are available through Irish and in doing so, show the need for more services in Irish. Conradh na Gaeilge also provides a support service to people who experience problems getting services through Irish, and you can contact the Head Office by sending an email to glacleis@cnag.ie or by calling on +353 (0)1 4757401.
www.gaelport.com
22 June 2009
County Mayo Placenames
Beidh Fiachra Mac Gabhann, fear a bhfuil go leor taighde déanta aige ar logainmneacha Mhaigh Eo, ag tabhairt caint ar logainmneacha na leithinse, logainmneacha cheantar Iorrais agus logainmneacha Chontae Mhaigh Eo, ar an Luan 15 Meitheamh i dTuras Siar, An Cartúr, ag 8pm.
Tá fáilte curtha roimh chách. Tuilleadh eolais ó Turas Siar: T 097 85011 R: turas.siar@yahoo.ie
Foinse
14 Meitheamh 2009
Survey on Attitudes to An Fáinne
An Fáinne symbolizes your link to the Irish language. An Fáinne is worn to show that you are able to and are willing to speak Irish.
The Silver Fáinne is suitable for those who have a basic ability in Irish. The Gold Fáinne indicates that you are a fluent Irish speaker. The ‘Cúpla Focal’ badge is available to those with a small amount of Irish who are proud of the cúpla focal they have.
Although sales of An Fáinne have seen a marked increase in recent years, at a co-operation seminar between Irish language organisations recently, there was discussion on whether there was a need for a new emblem, which would be perceived as modern and attractive by Irish language speakers.
Here at An Chomhdháil, we often hear tales of how people have met and An Fáinne sparked a conversation between them, and without An Fáinne they would not have known that the other person spoke Irish. We often hear from people who work in the services industry, that An Fáinne adds to the service which they provide, and allows people to be comfortable in speaking Irish to them.
To understand the public’s opinion of An Fáinne as well as some of the connotations and perceptions surrounding it, we are asking the public to complete a short questionnaire. We often hear tales of how Irish speakers meet though English, and that they don’t realise each other speak Irish for some time. If you get to know somebody through one language, it can often be difficult then to switch languages at a later date. We would like to get your opinion, as to any other methods available for Irish speakers to recognise others who speak Irish, so they will get to know each other through Irish from the start.
A short questionnaire is available here , to assess your opinions of An Fáinne, or other Irish language emblems.
www.gaelport.com
22 June 2009
Ireland’s first bilingual business news service launched
Ireland’s first bilingual business news website www.Insideireland.ie , was officially launched in Foras na Gaeilge’s offices in Dublin today. The news service provides the latest business stories in English and Irish.
The informative and easy to navigate news site covers a growing selection of business topics including Finance, Investment and Employment, ICT and Agri-Business and also has sections devoted to Music, Sport, Health, Food and Fashion.
“We believe that this is a perfect time to launch a new and innovative website that will become a major force in Irish journalism as more and more people get their news from the internet ,” Editor Colm Ó Broin said.
“We publish stories in Irish as the language is increasingly used across a wide range of professions and industries. There are a diverse range of ambitious businesses and business people utilising the Irish language through their communications and practices on a regular basis.
“We also cover business issues in Northern Ireland and reflect the increasing importance of the All-Island economy.
“We’ve had great feedback from readers so far and plan to expand the site and our team of writers over the coming months due to the huge potential this site has,” said Ó Broin.
Irish Secretary of the National Union of Journalists Séamus Dooley welcomed the site as “a new and exciting venture.”
“The media landscape is changing dramatically and it is extremely encouraging to welcome a new initiative at a time when so much of the news relating to the media, at local, national and international level, is negative,” he said.
Ferdie Mac an Fhailigh, CEO of Foras na Gaeilge, official language partner of Insideireland.ie, continued, “Foras na Gaeilge is delighted to be involved in the development and availability of Insideireland.ie as the first ever business-focused news website to be available in the language choice of either English or Irish.
“This innovative bilingual approach is particularly important in an era of increasing recognition and use of Irish throughout all sections of society, facilitating not only the aims of The Official Languages Act, but also the linguistic preference of a rising generation of business people that can speak Irish.”
Speaking at the event Eamonn Fallon of Daft.ie said “Across the world, consumers are dropping print media in favour of the internet to catch up on their daily news. Inside Ireland are the first publisher in Ireland to stop the printing presses and move to online-only publication and for this they deserve recognition.”
www.gaelport.com
22 June 2009
Request for Submissions: Official Languages Act 2003
Preparation of a draft scheme by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment propose to draft a scheme in accordance with Section 11 of the Official Languages Act, 2003. The primary objective of the Act is to ensure better availability and a higher standard of public services through Irish.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment now wish to invite submissions in relation to the preparation of the draft scheme from any interested parties.
Ideally submissions, which will be made available on the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment website, should be forwarded electronically to: customerservice@entemp.ie
Alternatively they may be posted to:
Information Resource Unit,
Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment,
23 Kildare Street,
Dublin 2.
The latest date for receipt of submissions is Tuesday 30 June 2009.
br>
Further information in relation to the Act is available on the website of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
www.gaelport.com
22 June 2009
€25,000 for Book of the Year
Bronnfar Gradam Uí Shúilleabháin, gradam i gcuimhne ar iarRúnaí an Oireachtais agus Ard-Rúnaí Chonradh na Gaeilge, Donncha Ó Súilleabháin, ar bhuaiteoir Leabhar na Bliana, mar chuid de Chomórtas Litríochta an Oireachtais. Chomh maith le sin bronnfar €10,000 ar an bhfoilsitheoir agus €5,000 ar an údar.
I gcás an chomórtais do Leabhar na Bliana do dhaoine óga bronnfar Gradam Reics Carlo ar an mbuaiteoir agus €7,000 ar an bhfoilsitheoir agus €3,000 ar an údar. Is iad na foilsitheoirí féin a chaithfidh iarratas a dhéanamh ar na comórtais nua, bunaithe ar na leabhair a d’fhoilsigh siad sa bhliain 2 Iúil 2008 – 1 Iúil 2009. Déanfar gearrliosta ansin, bunaithe ar na nithe seo leanas: Fiúntas an ábhair, dearadh an leabhair, leagan amach an ábhair ar na leathanaigh, caighdeán na clódóireachta agus an chaoi ar fhreastail an foilseachán ar riachtanais léitheoireachta an phobail.
Fógrófar an gearrliosta ag tús mhí Mheán Fómhair agus bronnfar na duaiseanna le linn Fhéile an Oireachtais i Leitir Ceanainn.Anuraidh bronnadh duais Ghradam Uí Shúilleabháin ar an leabhar An Cléireach le Darach Ó Scolaí, foilsithe ag an Leabhar breac agus bronnadh an duais Gradam Reics Carlo ar an leabhar An Phleist Mhór le Susan Edwards agus Ré Ó Laighléis agus foilsithe ag Móinín Teo.
www.galwayadvertiser.ie
Glór na nGael announces criteria for Duais Cholmcille
Glór na nGael has announced the criteria for Duais Cholmcille, the new prize that the national competition is offering to those involved in developing links between Irish speakers in Ireland and Gàidhlig speakers in Scotland.
Colmcille is sponsoring the new prize. It was established in 1997 to promote cultural and linguistic links between the two language communities.
The aim of Duais Colmcille is to give acknowledgment to voluntary work that promotes links between Gaelic-speakers and the Gaelic-speaking communities of Ireland and Scotland.
Both Colmcille itself and Glór na nGael hope that it will encourage further learning opportunities on both sides of the Sea of Moyle.
Entrants to the competition will need to satisfy the following requirements:
• All entries must be based on the link between the Gaelic speaking communities in Scotland and Ireland.
• Entries must encourage contact between Irish speakers and Gàidhlig speakers;
• The links should be to the benefit of both communities;
• Committees from the two communities must establish effective communication with each other;
• There must be an element of learning Irish in Scotland or Gàidhlig in Ireland for the respective in the programme of entries;
• Entries are welcomed from committees and voluntary organisations;
• As part of the adjudication of the competition, there will be a requirement for a written report from participants;
• Any prize that may be won must be spent on deepening the link between the two language communities.
A copy of the criteria and further information about the competition are available from Glór na nGael on +353 46 943 0974 or by e.mail on fiosru@glornangael.ie.
www.gaelport.com
22 June 2009
Official launch screening of ‘Following the Whitethorn’ le Michael Fortune
Following the Whitethorn’ is a body of video work by Michael Fortune, commissioned by Mayo County Council and funded by the Department of the Enviornment, Heritage and Local Government under the Percent for Art Scheme.
Ballinrobe Community School, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo
7.30p.m. Tuesday 23rd of June 2009 (St. John's Eve)
The screening will be followed by a barbeque and the lighting of the St. John's Eve Bonfire at Friar's Lodge Nursing Home, Convent Road, Ballinrobe. Music and refreshments provided. Transport will be available to carry people from the Community School to the Nursing Home.
What better way to spend bonfire night than viewing a collection of local piseoige followed by a bonfire, barbeque and some music.
Following the launch the work will be screened continuously in Ballinrobe Library, Maint Street, Ballinrobe and The Tacú Centre, Glebe Street, Ballinrobe from the 24th-30th of June 2009. A limited number of DVDs will be available, requests for these can be made at the launch event, and afterwards from the Arts Office. The films will also be available to loam from all County Mayo libraries after the event.
Further information on the project also available via: www.followingthewhitethorn.com.
Summer Camps
Togra Mhaigh Eo is located on Ellison Street Castlebar. Our main aim is to promote the Irish language throughout the County in different ways, we also run Irish Classes for adults, workshops, third level courses , leaving and junior cert classes and many more. The week long camp is funded by Forás na Gaeilge and run in conjunction with Togra Mhaigh Eo de Chonradh na Gaeilge, these camps will run in Castlebar, Westport, Claremorris and Ballina. The activity camps will run in July.
We cater for youngsters from seven up to 14 years. The week long activities will include music, dancing, drama, art and crafts, sport, pottery and many more. These camps are run by qualified teachers who have the keen interest for the Irish language.
These camps will run in July, from Monday to Friday from 10.00 – 2.30 p.m. The week long camp will cost €60 per child.
For more information you can contact Bridín on:
094-90-22444 or 087-9781166 or eolas@conradhmhaigheo.ie
Most people still value Irish
Around 93% of those who took part in a national survey wish to have Irish revived or preserved, according to a report published last month.
The Irish Language and the Irish People by Father Mícheál Mac Gréil and Fergal Rhatigan is the third report on the attitudes towards, competence in and use of the Irish language. Fieldwork on the current survey was carried out by the ESRI in 2007 and 2008. In examining general competence in the language, those surveyed were asked to rate their own level of Irish on a scale ranging from fluent to no Irish at all.
A significant and disappointing finding of the report was that, while 47% of Irish-born respondents rated themselves as reasonably competent, only 23% reported using Irish regularly. Based on the survey’s results, the report identifies challenges facing the Irish language and makes recommendations in relation to developing and strengthening Irish in various areas of daily life, including education, public services, voluntary language and cultural organisations and the media. Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív said that since the last report 20 years ago, the composition of Irish society had changed greatly. ‘With an estimated 13% of our population made up of non-Irish nationals, the Ireland of today is a far more culturally diverse and vibrant country than the Ireland of 20 years ago,’ he said. ‘One of the findings of this report I find striking is that when you look at the overwhelmingly positive attitude towards the Irish language, there is no difference in outlook between a sample of the total population and a sample of only those born in Ireland.
It has been my own experience that in general, migrants who settle here in Ireland are open and positive about the Irish language, and many make the effort to learn it, particularly if they have children in school here. ‘Most of the non-Irish nationals who come to Ireland are either bilingual or multilingual and appreciate the benefits of having more than one language,’ he said. I am pleased that we now have the statistical evidence to recognise this.
Blas Mhaigh Eo
Tá siad ag súil le greim a fháil ar mheáin an domhain agus iad bailithe don Rás Domhanda chun Maigh Eo a léiriú mar áit ar leith do bhia lámhdhéanta. Beidh lucht leanta an Rása in ann blas a bhaint as an mbia den scoth a bheidh á chur ar fáil acu ina measc iasc deataithe as Chuan Mó, cáiseanna blasta, milseoga gleoite agus neart eile a táirgeadh go huile agus go hiomlán i Maigh Eo agus iad ag baint taitnimh as an Rás Aigéin Volvo.
“Is am fíor-spreagúil do bhia ceardaí Mhaigh Eo é seo, a dúirt Brian Quinn de chuid Mayo Naturally agus Fáilte Ireland West faoin tionscadal. Is ócáid an-oiriúnach é an Rás Aigéin Volvo chun an ‘Taste of Mayo Béile’ a chur chun cinn ar stáitse an domhain. Beidh na meáin chumarsáide ar fad ann agus is deis iontach é seo chun tuilleadh cuairteoirí agus turasóirí a mhealladh go Maigh Eo” a dúirt sé.
Tá Mayo Naturally, Bord Forbartha Contae Mhaigh Eo agus Gnó Mhaigh Eo ag tabhairt tacaíochta don “Taste of Mayo Béile”. Is cuid de bhrandáil “Déanta i Maigh Eo” é seo, tionscadal a cruthú chun bia agus ceardaíocht a dhéantar agus a tháirgtear i Maigh Eo a chur ar taispeáint.
>br<
Is iad seo a leanas na táirgeoirí bia a bheidh ann: A Taste of Days Gone By, Baile Uí Fhiacháin (Patti Moss) le seatnaí agus anlainn ghoinbhlasta; Kelly’s Butchers, Baile Uí Fhiacháin (Seán Kelly) lena chuid putóga bána agus dubha a bhfuil duaiseanna bainte amach acu; Carrowholly Cheese, Cathair na Mart (Andrew Pelham-Burn) le chúig bhlas difriúla de cháis feirme de stíl Gouda; Clarke’s Fish Smokery le bradán dair-dheataithe; Knockranny House Hotel le cistí milis agus aráin; Castlehill Catering, Béal an Átha (Clair O’Connor) le humus orgánach agus Cuinneog Country Butter, Béal Átha Bhearaigh (Tom Butler). Beidh an ‘Taste of Mayo Béile’ uile ar fáil ar €7 i rith an Rása Aigéin is mó ar domhain.
Níl aon dabht ann ná go mbeidh blas Mhaigh Eo i mbéal gach uile dhuine i nGaillimh an tseachtain seo chugainn.
An fórsa le hÉilís
Tugann an fhéile deis do scríbhneoirí foilsithe agus údair neamhfhoilsithe teacht le chéile agus labhairt ar chúrsaí scríbhneoireachta. Beidh Ní Dhuibhne ag obair le grúpaí scríbhneoirí agus scoileanna ar fud an chontae le linn mhí na Bealtaine agus an Mheitheamh. Is fada clú ar Ní Dhuibhne as a cuid scríbhneoireachta i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla i gcúrsaí drámaíochta, ficsin agus leabhair do pháistí. Is ball d’Aosdána í agus múinteoir ar an scríbhneoireacht chruthaitheach ar Choláiste na hOllscoile, Baile Átha Cliath. Go raibh an fórsa léi.
Coimisinéir Teanga
Baineann an íocaíocht le leigheas a fháil ar theip na Roinne in imeacht na mblianta sin an tacaíocht chéanna a thabhairt do mhúinteoiri agus daltaí Gaeltachta agus Gaelscoile dara leibhéil is a tugadh dá macasamhail i scoileanna ina múintear na hábhair trí Bhéarla Thuairisc an Coimisinéir Teanga, Seán Ó Cuirreáin, ina thuarascáil bhliantúil, a foilsíodh an tseachtain seo caite, go raibh 34 treoirleabhar do mhúinteoirí a bhí i mBéarla amháin curtha ar fáil ag an Roinn le scór bliain anuas.
Cuireadh na treoirleabhair seo ar fáíl mar áis tacaíochta do mhúinteoiri le cuidiú leo siollabais éagsúla de chuid na hArdteiste agus an Teastais Shóisearaigh a theagasc. Níor cuireadh aon cheann de na treoirleabhair ar fáil trí Ghaeilge do mhúinteoiri a bhí ag teagasc na n-ábhar trí mheán na teanga sin. Tar éis fiosrúchán oifigiúil a dhéanamh ar an gcás, chinn an tUas. Ó Cuirreáin, go raibh sárú á dhéanamh ag an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta ar fhoráil de chuid an Achta Oideachais 1998, a dhearbhaíonn go gcuirfeadh an tAire Oideachais ‘seirbhísí taca’ trí Ghaeilge ar fáil do na scoileanna aitheanta sin a chuireann teagasc trí Ghaeilge ar fáil. Chuir an Roinn Oideachais cás i láthair an Choimisinéara a mhaígh nach raibh dualgas reachtúil ar an Aire faoin Acht Oideachais na treoirleabhair a sholáthar i nGaeilge do mhúinteoirí le cabhrú leo ábhar ar nós - stair, tíreolas, matamaitic, eolaíocht agus eile a theagasc trí Ghaeilge.
Dúradh gur cinneadh don Aire (Oideachais) a bheadh ann, rogha a dhéanamh céard iad na seirbhísí taca a chuirfí ar fáil, agus go mbeadh an rogha sin ag brath ar na hacmhainní a bheadh ar fáil. Dhiúltaigh an Coimisinéir Teanga don léírmhíniú sin agus dúirt gur faoin Aire a bhí sé cinneadh a dhéanamh i dtús aimsire an gcuirfí treoirlínte ar fáil do mhúinteoirí, ach dá ndéanfadh sé cinneadh a leithéidí a sholáthar i mBéarla go raibh dualgas dlíthiúil ansin air na treoirlínte céanna a sholáthar i nGaeilge do mhúinteoirí na Gaeltachta agus na nGaelscoileanna. Mhaígh an Coimisinéir Teanga go raibh tábhacht mhór leis na treoirleabhair a bheith ar fáil i dteanga na scoile leis an téarmaíocht a bheadh á húsáid sna siollabais agus sna scrúduithe Stáit a chur os comhair na múinteoirí agus na ndaltaí agus le cleachtadh a thabhairt dóibh ar úsáid na téarmaíochta sin.
Ó tharla gur de réir a chéile, thar thréimhse de bheagnach scór bliain, a cuireadh na treoirleabhair ar fáil trí Bhéarla amháin don 34 ábhar, dúirt an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta go mbeadh costas measta de E250,000 i gceist anois le déileáil le soláthar na dtreoirleabhair sin trí Ghaeilge. Ar an gcúis sin, cheadaigh an Coimisinéir Teanga go dtabharfaí faoin obair thar thréimhse trí bliana leis na costais a roinnt thar roinnt buiséid éagsúla. Mhol sé freisin go gcinnteofaí feasta go gcuirfí leagan Gaeilge ar fáil go comhuaineach gach uair a gcuirfí treoirlínte nó ábhar breise teagaisc ar fáil i mBéarla. Priomhoide iar-bhunscoile ina múintear na hábhair trí Ghaeilge a rinne an gearán leis an gCoimisinéir Teanga a spreag an fiosrúchán oifigiúil, mar a thuairiscigh Foinse an bhliain seo caite.
www.foinse.ie
Irish-medium pupils get higher English scores
Pupils in Irish-medium schools are achieving better English results than children in English-medium schools.
Proportionately more Irish than English-speaking children are reaching or exceeding the level of English expected of them at the end of their primary education. Those working in the sector have said they believe the high standards are the result of good attitudes, self-esteem and delayed introduction of English. Teachers in all primary schools report annually on the standard they believe each pupil has reached in English and maths at the end of both primary 4 and primary 7.
Children are categorised from level one to five. Levels are determined by teachers’ own judgments and supported by assessments carried out as part of normal classroom activities. According to government targets, children should reach level four by the end of primary 7. Figures from 2007/08 obtained by The Irish News show that 82 per cent of children in Irish-medium schools achiev-ed level four or five in English compared to 78.8 per cent of children in English-medium schools. Separate figures provided by Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaiochta (I na G), the trust fund for the sector, compared performances over a three-year period. They showed that Irish-medium schools outperformed others in each of the three years in both English and maths. Reamai Mathers of I na G said international evidence had long indicated that children who were educated through a second language tended to do as well in their first language if not better.
He said information based on research carried out in countries throughout the world consistently indicated enhanced performance of children who were educated bilingually. ‘Figures in relation to scores in English and maths over the last three years have demonstrated that this advantage may also be the case in Irish-language schools,’ he said. ‘When we looked at data from the years from 2005/6 to 2007/8 in relation to Key Stage 2 results in English, Irish-medium schools achieved higher score averages every year, both at the level four category and the highest level five category, than non-Irish-medium schools. ‘Indeed in the last two years Irish-medium students’ results, which are heavily biased towards a lower socioeconomic group, due to the high number of inner-city schools, have produced a higher outcome for level four and five when compared to the average across all Northern Ireland primary schools.’
Dr Mathers said that the statistics, when studied along with international research, gave ‘the strongest indication yet of the efficacy of learning through Irish’.
www.irishnews.com
Comórtas Fiontraíochta do Scoileanna Dara Leibhéal
Ag ócáid a bheidh ar siúl in Óstán na Páirce, An Spidéal Déardaoin, 7 Bealtaine 2009 ón 10:00 r.n. go 2:30 i.n., bronnfaidh Pádraig Ó hAoláin, Príomhfheidhmeannach Údarás na Gaeltachta, na duaiseanna ar bhuaiteoirí réigiún an Iarthair sa Chomórtas Fiontraíochta do Scoileanna Dara Leibhéal Gaeltachta.
Tá iarracht leanúnach á dhéanamh ag an Údarás chun spiorad na fiontraíochta a chothú i measc daltaí agus is chuige sin eagraítear an comórtas seo ar bhonn réigiúnach go bliantúil.
Tá 17 grúpa ar fad as naoi scoil i nGaillimh agus Maigh Eo ag glacadh páirteach sa chomórtas. Bíonn ar gach grúpa plean gnó a chur ar fáil, gnó a bhunú agus a rith, tuairisc a scríobh ar ghnó an chomhlacht samhailteach agus páirt a ghlacadh sa taispeántas a beidh ar siúl in Óstán na Páirce Dé Céadaoin, tráth go roghnófar na buaiteoirí. Cuirtear béim sa chóras marcála ar nuálaíocht, ceangal leis an gceantar, feidhmiú an ghnó agus caighdeán an taispeántais.
Beidh trí dhuais ar fad le bronnadh, €1,000 don ghrúpa a thagann sa chéad áit, €500 don dara háit agus €250 don tríú áit.
Summer Courses in Irish for Adults in Eachléím
This course is an Irish language and cultural course for adults held in the Erris Gaeltacht. Erris is located in Aghleam in the North West of Mayo and is situated 10 miles south of Belmullet and west of Ballina. The course will be totally conversational and will cater for different levels of ability - total beginners, intermediate level and those who are relatively fluent already. Much of the area has also been designated as an area of special conservation. The courses will also introduce the students to the rich cultural heritage of the area and to the local flora and fauna.
Timetable: Classes will be held each day from 10.00am to 1.00pm and from 2.00pm to 3.00pm.
Date: 02/08/09 - 08/08/09
Fee: €260
Gael-Linn T: 01 675 1200
R: eolas@gael-linn.ie
I: www.gael-linn.ie
Arts Council chief says arts must be 'husbanded'
The Arts must be ‘husbanded’ through difficult times, given that cultural tourism is worth Eur5 billion annually to the economy, Arts Council director Mary Cloake has said.
Such is Ireland’s international standing in the arts that the sector is akin to a major natural resource, with consequent responsibilities for same, Ms Cloake said at last night’s opening of the Cúirt International Festival of Literature in Galway. ‘In contrast to our reputation perhaps with banking, the creative sector is something that we can be really proud of as a community, national and international level,’ she said. ‘Cúirt is one of those events which contributes to this.’ Some 2.9 million people are involved in the arts on a regular basis nationally, and some 50,000 people are employed directly in the sector, she said. Later this year, Galway is to host an Irish-language version of the One city, One Book initiative: ‘Aon chathair, aon leabhar. Lig Sin i gCathú by the late Breandán Ó hÉithir has been selected for this, Ms Cloake announced.
Writers and poets from the United States, China, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Russia, Canada, Georgia, South Africa, England and Ireland are participating in the week-long programme of events, which will continue until Sunday night when the annual Cúirt debate takes place. Participants in the debate will include economist Dr Alan Ahearne, recently appointed as special adviser to the Minister for Finance; I rish Times journalist Kathy Sheridan; poet and former hedge fund banker Katy Lederer; and musician Paddy Cullivan. The topic is Leadership: Are Economists Replacing Politicians?
The festival has expanded its young people’s programme, with writers including Derek Landy, Tim Bowler, Joe O’Brien and Brianóg Brady Dawson. There is also an extensive Irish language programme, including dramatisation of the epic An Táin by Colman Ó Raghallaigh.
Tickets for all events can be purchased from Town Hall Theatre 091-569777
The Irish TImes
93% of people positive about the future of Irish
93% of people positive about the future of Irish
93% of those who took part in a national survey wish to have Irish revived or preserved, according to a report launched today by Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív TD. The Irish Language and the Irish People by Father Mícheál Mac Gréil and Fergal Rhatigan is the third report on the attitudes towards, competence in and use of the Irish language over 34 years. Fieldwork on the current survey was carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute in 2007 and 2008.
In examining general competence in the language, those surveyed were asked to rate their own level of Irish on a scale ranging from fluent to no Irish at all. A significant and disappointing finding of the report was that while 47% of Irish-born respondents rated themselves as reasonably competent, only 23% reported using Irish regularly.
Based on the survey’s results, the report identifies challenges facing the Irish language and makes recommendations in relation to developing and strengthening Irish in various areas of daily life, including education, public services, voluntary language and cultural organisations and the media.
Minister Ó Cuív said:
“ Some of the findings of the report will come as no surprise to anyone dealing with the Irish language on the ground day to day. What is most significant here is that the research gives us both factual evidence to support the choices we make in language policy, and detailed insights into particular trends within different groups of people. By examining results for different age-groups, for example, or in individual regions, research like this helps us to focus initiatives and policy measures more effectively.
“In the 20 years since the last report, the composition of Irish society has changed greatly. With an estimated 13% of our population made up of non-Irish nationals, the Ireland of today is a far more culturally diverse and vibrant country than the Ireland of 20 years ago. One of the findings of this report that I personally find striking is that when you look at the overwhelmingly positive attitude towards the Irish language, there is no difference in outlook between a sample of the total population and a sample of only those born in Ireland. It has been my own experience that in general, migrants who settle here in Ireland are open and positive about the Irish language, and many make the effort to learn Irish, particularly if they have children in school here. Most of the non-Irish nationals who come to Ireland are either bilingual or multilingual and appreciate the benefits of having more than one language. I am pleased that we now have the statistical evidence to recognise this.
“Language is a fundamental part of individual and national identity. It shapes the way we think, the way we communicate and the way we see ourselves and our own place in the world. Irish has come a long way from being the language of the poor. As the report shows, 84.4% of the population would welcome an Irish speaker as a member of the family. Irish can transcend old distinctions such as social class, or age, or ethnicity. It can bring people together and give us a common ground and sense of kinship as we continue to evolve as a country.”
Web/Gréasán: www.pobail.ie
Barr 50 Gnó le Gaeilge awards open for nominations
50 top individuals and companies who have pioneered business as Gaeilge are to be honoured at a unique celebration in the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin on Friday 22 May.
Our Top 50 nominees will be:
• Businesses based in the Gaeltacht or which operate in Irish
• Business leaders who are recognised as advocates for Irish language
• Businesses which use Irish as a marketing tool or provide services in Irish
Six of our Top 50 will be awarded with Special Achievement Awards at the gala luncheon.
Among those receiving this special accolade will be:
• Entrepreneur of the year
• A company or individual in the public sector which makes the most effective use of Irish as a marketing tool
• Company or individual in the private sector which makes the most effective use of Irish in service provision
• A company or individual which shows innovation and fresh thinking in their business by using the Irish language
• A company or individual located in the Gaeltact which makes outstanding use of the Irish language in business
The Top 50 Business as Gaeilge awards will be marked by the publication of a special magazine profiling our Top 50 and celebrating their achievements.
Nominations close on Friday, 1 May 2009 at 5pm.
You can register online here
or for a printed version click here
Minister Éamon Ó Cuív launches Gnó Mhaigh Eo
Speaking at the launch, Minister Ó Cuív said he was very impressed with the innovative work of Gnó Mhaigh Eo promoting Mayo as a county that has a unique appeal for visitors and tourists.
“Gnó Mhaigh Eo is doing very important and worthwhile work promoting the Irish language in the business sector in Mayo and I want to compliment the staff and board of directors of Gnó Mhaigh Eo for their vision and commitment,” he said.
Dúirt Mairéad Ní Mhaoilchiaráin Príomhfheidhmeannach Ghnó Mhaigh Eo, “Aithníonn Gnó Mhaigh Eo na dúshláin agus na deiseanna eacnamaíochta a chuireann an teanga ar fáil do fhiontraithe i Maigh Eo. Tá sé mar sprioc againn an margadh nideoige seo a fhorbairt agus a thapú. Is trí chomhpháirtíocht agus comhoibriú a bhainfimid muid amach spriocanna Phlean Straitéiseach Ghnó Maigh Eo. Is í ár bhfís ná Maigh Eo a bheith aitheanta mar Chontae údarásach ina bhfuil an dátheangachas go mór i bhfeidhm. Is ar an mbun seo gur féidir linn leas inmharthana a chruthú don earnáil ghnó sa chontae.
“Gnó Mhaigh Eo recognises the challenges and the economic opportunities associated with the use of the Irish Language in the business sector. This niche market will be developed and targeted by Gnó Mhaigh Eo. Partnership and cooperation are the key cornerstones of Gnó Mhaigh Eo’s work ethos as we set about establishing Mayo as a county with an authentic and distinctive Irish identity”, according to the CEO of Gnó Mhaigh Eo Mairéad Ní Mhaoilchiaráin”.
Is fiú beagnach 6 mhilliún euro na himeachtaí a láimhseáil Gnó Mhaigh Eo lena bpáirtnéirí agus taispeánann seo gur féidir airgead a dhéanamh as an nGaeilge. Gnó Mhaigh Eo have 4 full time employees based in Westport and 20 employees on contract work.
Manager of Westport Town Council Peter Hynes stated that Gnó Mhaigh Eo was instrumental in organising a number of high profile projects for the county over the past year and he is confident that further investment and economic benefits for Mayo will be reaped as a result of the work of Gnó Mhaigh Eo.
“I want to commend the staff of Gnó Mhaigh Eo for their support and expertise on a number of projects run in association with Westport Town Council over the past year. Gnó Mhaigh Eo has benefited Westport and Mayo since it was established and we are delighted that Gnó Mhaigh Eo is based in Westport.” he said.
Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council Cllr. Martin Keane stated that he was delighted to welcome the Minister to Westport. “Westport Town Council have supported Gnó Mhaigh Eo from the outset and we will continue to support and promote our language, heritage and culture in every way we can,” he said
‘Be your own public relations person’ workshop for local businesses
The tricky world of public relations for small-medium business will be made simpler for local businesses, at a special workshop in Castlebar, on Tuesday, March 24th.
Award-winning journalist and broadcaster Liam Horan, and leading west of Ireland PR practicioner Lesley Emerson, will jointly deliver the ‘Shout it from the Rooftops’ training course in Day’s Hotel from 9.30am to 1pm.
The course will provide practical public relations advice that can be immediately put into practice by participants. “This course will be about the participants generating their own public relations – the reality for many businesses is that they can’t afford to hire dedicated public relations people, so they have to do it themselves,” explained Liam Horan, whose company Slí Nua Training are running the course.
Places on ‘Shout it from the Rooftops’ cost €65, which includes light refreshments, and can be secured through Liam Horan, Sli Nua Training, Enterprise House, Cloongowla, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo (tel 094 95 42965, liam.horan@slinuatraining.com.) Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Nemeton/WIT TV Production - Higher Diploma
The deadline for the hugely successful Nemeton/WIT TV Production - Higher Diploma is fast approaching - April 17th
We depend on your generosity in spreading word among the irish language speaking and media / tv communities in attracting students.
We would hugely appreciate your assistance in getting the word of the course out to your colleagues / friends / associates / various databases.
Please remember the course fees for this hugely practical course are fully covered.
http://www.nemeton.ie/nemeton/pages/english/training_education.html
Get your business in the Gnó with entrepreneur Michael Thornhill & Gnó Mhaigh Eo
From March 9th to 12th Mayo businesses will be attending Club Caife, a networking event that will give local businesses an opportunity to network with each other in an informal setting and also to learn about opportunities that are available to market their business in a unique way using the Irish language. To coincide with Seachtain na Gaeilge their will be an Irish language theme to this event. Michael Thornhill of Maithú will speak of how networking helped him land his biggest deal with the multinational company, Samsung to whom he sold his software package for phones; ‘Get the Focal’, a mobile phone application which provides over 12,000 English-Irish translations for off-line use. This application is ideal for Irish language students, parents, teachers, or anyone interested in the Irish language and as Des Bishop said “Get Focal’d!” www.getthefocal.com
Gnó Mhaigh Eo is working in conjunction with Mayo Ideas Lab, the Innovation in Business Centre, GMIT, Mayo Open Coffee Club and the Chambers of Commerce throughout the county to host these events. Gnó Mhaigh Eo offers advice, support and translations services to Mayo businesses interested in using the Irish language in their business and in their community. Gnó Mhaigh Eo’s website includes a directory that lists Mayo businesses which can provide their services through Irish. Refreshments will be served free of charge at the event and businesses are invited to attend this informative event.
Club Caife will be held from 1-2pm in various locations throughout the county *.
The Western Hotel, Claremorris – 9th March
Ballina Library, Ballina – 10th March
*Innovation in Business Centre, GMIT, Castlebar –11th March, 11.30am
Áras Inis Gluaire, Belmullet – 12th March
Nádúr Mhaigh Eo
Lynda Huxley’s exhibition ‘Nádúr Mhaigh Eo’ will open in Gnó Mhaigh Eo on the 27th February and will run for the month of March to coincide with Seachtain na Gaeilge.
The ‘Nádúr Mhaigh Eo’ exhibition is an appreciation of the scenery, wild flowers and insects which we are very fortunate to have in Mayo. The flora and fauna are some of the best in the country which include brilliant colours of the butterflies and the delicate beauty of the orchids. This exhibition is a glimpse of the beauty of Mayo's natural heritage and scenery which will inspire you to want to discover more of what the county has to offer. Lynda Huxley is a semi-professional photographer living in Mayo and publishes greeting cards and calendars inspired by the West of Ireland.
Dr. Seán Lysaght, a lecturer on the Heritage Studies programme at GMIT Castlebar and an award winning poet with several published books of poetry, the latest being "The Mouth of A River" will officially open the exhibition on Friday 27th February at 6pm in Gnó Mhaigh Eo, Bridge Street, Westport. Fáilte roimh chách.
Gradam Gnó do Chló Mhaigh Eo
Comhghairdeas le Cló Mhaigh Eo a bhuaigh an príomh dhuais sa rannóg 'Gnó le Gaeilge', ag Gradaim Ghnó Mhaigh Eo/Mayo Business Awards le gairid.
Bronnadh an gradam 'Gnó le Gaeilge' ar Cholmán Ó Raghallaigh, Phríomh Fheidhmeannach Cló Mhaigh Eo agus moladh an comhlacht as an obair mhór atá déanta acu ag cur leabhair Ghaeilge d'ardchaighdeán ar fáil do pháistí. D'éirigh leo duaiseanna náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta a bhaint amach dá bhfoilseacháin. Tá an-tóir ar a gcuid leabhair ar fud an domhain go háirithe na greannáin nuálaíochta a fhoilsíonn siad le téamaí a bhaineann le stair na hÉireann m.sh, An Táin agus An Tóraíocht. Tá gach eolas ar fáil ar www.leabhair.com
Rinne Northern Screen moltóireacht ar an rannóg 'Gnó le Gaeilge'. Dúirt Áine Breathnach, Ceannasaí Coimisiún na gClár Teilifíse sa Tuaisceart gur rud dearfach é don Ghaeilge go bhfuil comhlachtaí ag baint úsáide as an nGaeilge mar uirlis mhargaíochta.
Tugadh aitheantas agus moladh ar leith do 'Ionad Deirbhile' as ceantar Iorrais a dhéanann sár obair an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn ar bhealaí éagsúla agus 'Maithú' as Béal an Átha a nascann an teicneolaíocht leis an nGaeilge. Sheol siad pacáiste nua teicneolaíochta 'Get the focal' do fhón póca i mbliana, áit ar féidir le duine téacs a sheoladh chuig 53503 chun 'Get the focal' agus suas go 12,000 focail a aistriú go Gaeilge. Gach eolas ó www.getthefocal.ie
Is iad Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Gnó Mhaigh Eo a rinneadh urraíocht ar an ngradam Gnó le Gaeilge i mbliana. Seo an chéad bhliain ar glacadh le hainmniúcháin ó chomhlachtaí taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht. Dúirt Mairéad Ní Mhaoilchiaráin, Príomh Fheidhmeannach Gnó Mhaigh Eo go bhfuil luachair uirthi go bhfuil aitheantas á thabhairt do chomhlachtaí ar fud an chontae anois a úsáideann an Ghaeilge ar bhealaí nuálaíochta.
Increase in numbers attending Irish courses
It’s been a good year for the Mayo Gaeltacht, with an increase of 13% on students that attended Irish courses. 2,662 people attended Irish courses in the county between Summer schools, special courses.
There was an increase of almost 7% of the total number of people that attended Irish courses in Ireland between 2007 and 2008. The largest increase was seen in the Summer schools for students learning Irish. 1,545 more people attended Irish courses including those for youths and adults in 2008 than 2007.
Irish language conversation classes
Irish language conversation classes are held in Ballaghaderreen Library from 7pm – 8.30pm every Thursday. Fáilte roimh chách.
Irish Classes
Irish language classes for Adults will be starting in Mayo soon. There will be beginners, intermediate and advanced classes available. For more information contact Togra Mhaigh Eo of Conradh na Gaeilge, Ellison St., Castlebar. Phone 094-90-22444, 087-9781166 or eolas[at]conradhmhaigheo.ie
098 26555 