GRD mark Launch of Irish Language Plan during Seachtain na Gaeilge

Pictured are some of the Galway Rural Development team at Caherlistrane GAA Club last week.

Galway Rural Development (GRD) launched their Irish Language Plan last week, during Seachtain na Gaeilge. On Thursday last, most of GRD’s staff from around the county gathered for a concert at Caherlistrane GGA Complex with everyone making best efforts to use their native tongue.

They were joined, via Zoom, by others from GRD’s offices in Ros Muc, Portumna, Ballinasloe, Tuam, Mountbellew and Athenry; and by GRD’s board of directors and partners groups from across the county.

The legendary Matt Cunningham, a man synonymous with Irish music and culture in the county, made the day extra special with a concert. Through his work as a music teacher, and indeed in the farming community, Matt had a special perspective on linking rural life, language and culture.

Speaking at the launch, CEO Steve Dolan said “We are indebted to Matt for a great day. We are one of the local development companies which have led the way in drawing up an Irish Language Plan and we are very much ‘glass half-full’ when it comes to the future of the language.”

“We are also indebted to our colleagues in Ros Muc who encouraged us to use whatever Irish we had, whether we were líofa (fluent) or just had the cúpla focail! Even beginning sentences with a few words was a great way to help us feel more comfortable using Irish is our everyday speech.”

Seachtain na Gaeilge is the largest Irish Language festival in the world and census 2022 figures indicates an increase in the number of people who have some capability with the Irish language. The results also show an increase in those who regard Irish as their first language.