Young students breathing life in to the Irish language
Primary school students from across the country gathered for an awards ceremony this week in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, where they were presented with a Gaelbhratach, in recognition of their efforts to promote the use of the Irish language in their communities.
The ceremony celebrated a range of creative activities organised by various student committees, including phrases of the day, concerts, art, storytelling workshops and biongó – all designed to encourage the use of Irish in everyday life.
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.
As part of the celebrations at the awards ceremony students 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.
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. In May of this year, a further 130 flags were presented to students from post-primary schools.
Commenting on the awards, Máire Ní Churraoin, TV presenter, sean-nós singer and TikTok influencer said: “Gaeilge is a core part of who I am and is woven into my everyday life. Speaking Irish has created countless opportunities for me, in Ireland and around the world. I was thrilled to present the awards to such enthusiastic and dedicated students this week.
“I thoroughly enjoyed being the Cathaoirleach of the Gaelbhratach committee when I was in school. The scheme is an exciting way for students to feel empowered to take ownership of the language, to incorporate it into their daily lives, and most importantly to enjoy using it. More and more young people are recognising the value of Gaeilge both in school and beyond the classroom, where the possibilities and opportunities are limitless.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Edel Ní Bhraonáin, Bainisteoir Gaelbhratach said: “We were delighted to be back in Roscrea this 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 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 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.”
Flying the flag for Irish
Dooagh National School, Achill, Co. Mayo
This dedicated group of students had a standout year in the scheme, with the school’s committee showing creativity, enthusiasm, and passion for the language. They embraced a unique theme connecting Irish with the local environment. Activities included beach clean-ups, rock pool exploration, and learning the Irish names for sea creatures, fish, and seaweed. Irish became the medium for learning about the natural world.
Our Lady of the Wayside National School, Kilternan, Co. Dublin
This group of students organised a variety of Irish language events. During Seachtain na Gaeilge they arranged quizzes, a céilí and yard games in Irish. Throughout the year they arranged music competitions and concerts with traditional music and dancing. The committee transformed a school corridor into a mini-Gaeltacht, complete with useful phrases, colourful posters, and photos of the weekly Gaeilgeoirí, creating an immersive Irish-language environment.
St. Mary's Convent National School, Trim, Co. Meath
As part of this school’s activities, each week a new phrase or proverb was shared in newsletters and over the intercom and students were rewarded if they used these phrases throughout the week. Students spoke Irish when playing Camogie and football and they also visited Scoil Ráth Chairn for a day of games, sport, and fun in Irish.