Latest news with #Gael
RTÉ News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
The Gaeilge Revolution: 15 ways to add more Irish to your life
Tá athbheochan na Gaeilge buailte linn: the Irish language revival is here. What a joy it is to see a deeper appreciation for our native tongue, more people using their cúpla focal and committing to (re)learning the language. I often hear people say they didn't connect with Irish in school, they had a bad teacher, or their parents influenced a negative attitude around the language. My response every time is "what's stopping you now?" The Irish language belongs to us all. It's yours to choose in adult life, and there's no age limit on learning it. So if you've been contemplating an Irish language journey, take this as your sign to do it. The power is in your hands, and the future of the language depends on each of us to pass on go dtí an chéad ghlúin eile. As an Irish speaker, my most common question I get is usually around accessible and fun ways to incorporate the language into everyday life. So today, I've compiled a list of exactly that. Go n-eirí go geal libh go léir! 1. Listen to podcasts: I'm a firm believer that you understand a language before you can speak it. So if you're new to it - or just a bit rusty - podcasts are a great place to start. You'll be able to hear the language being used in a casual and chatty setting without feeling under pressure to be fluent or understand every single word. Some of my favourites are: How to Gael Three charismatic cailíní join forces each week to chat about the modern everyday life of Irish speakers. Síomha, Doireann and Louise jump between Gaeilge agus Béarla, so it's really easy to understand and pick up a few new words. From identity to pop culture, dating to dialects, the podcast dives into what it really means to be a Gael today. Gaelgals GaelGals is the podcast where Gaeilge, friendship, and feminism collide — agus tá sé lán le croí, gáire, agus grá don teanga. Hosted by a dynamic group of Gaeilgeoirí, this pod is all about living life trí Ghaeilge in a way that feels modern, fun, and unapologetically female. From chats about mental health and pop culture to coláiste samhraidh, cearta ban, and everything in between, GaelGals keeps it real. Motherfoclóir Motherfoclóir is the podcast that proves language isn't just grammar and spelling – it's politics, identity, history, and humour. Expect episodes on everything from conas a scríobhann tú "craic" i gceart to why direct provision, gender, the Constitution, and colonialism are all part of the language conversation. With host Darra Ó Séaghdha and a rotating cast of writers, lawyers, activists and Gaeilgeoirí of all stripes, Motherfoclóir is insightful, irreverent, and unapologetically nerdy. They're not currently releasing new episodes, but you can still jump into any of them at any time. 2. Follow Irish Language influencers online One of the easiest ways to get a dose of Gaeilge each day is to curate your social media to serve Irish language content to you. Whatever your interest is, you'll find creators who are posting videos about it in Irish. Here are some great creators to check out: 3. Take up a hobby with Irish You don't necessarily need to be sitting in a classroom to pick up the language. Taking up a hobby is a cool way to find other Irish language speakers and to practice in a casual setting. This year, I wanted to find more environments where I could use and improve my Irish. I took up Sean Nos singing at the start of summer, and it's been one of the best decisions I've made. I do my lessons in The Cobblestone pub with teacher - and professional singer - Inni-K. She dips in and out of Irish throughout the class and there's a real mix of fluency levels. We have people dialing in from Canada and America each week to sing with us, so if you're unable to attend in person that's ok too. More classes will launch in September, email eithnenichathain@ for more details. 4. Do Irish language lessons If you want to be fluent in the language, the best thing to do is attend classes. Lots of people use Duo-Lingo, which is helpful and easy to pop onto each day. However, nothing can really beat the opportunity to sit with a teacher and learn from them. Here are some of my top recommendations for Irish language lessons: Conradh na Gaeilge – Dublin: Located in the heart of Dublin, Conradh na Gaeilge is one of the most iconic places to learn Irish. It offers fun, social, and structured classes across all levels in-person and online. Gaelchultúr – Nationwide/Online: Gaelchultúr is a leading provider of online Irish courses, offering everything from beginner to advanced levels. Ideal for busy learners and professionals. NUIG and Maynooth University Adult Irish Courses: These third-level institutions offer part-time evening and online classes in Irish for adult learners. Great if you're looking to build towards a qualification or develop fluency steadily. Gael Linn - Dublin: Gael Linn is a long-established Irish language and culture organisation that offers structured adult language classes in Dublin throughout the year. Their classes are typically live and interactive, with a focus on conversation building in small groups. 5. Head to the Gaeltacht for a week of immersion Oideas Gael – Donegal: Located in Gleann Cholm Cille in the stunning Donegal Gaeltacht, Oideas Gael offers immersive week-long courses that combine language learning with culture, music, and craic. A favourite among adults seeking a proper Irish experience. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne – Dingle Peninsula: Immersive adult Irish courses set in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh in the stunning West Kerry Gaeltacht. Expect top-class teaching, lively conversation, and cultural extras like sean-nós singing – all in the heart of Corca Dhuibhne. 6. Read Irish language publications Reading a language is one of the best ways to understand sentence structure and grammar - it'll really help you in knowing where to add an urú or a shéimiú. Check out for daily news and opinion pieces, Comhar for cutting-edge altanna, and Nós magazine for pop culture, music, and younger voices. 7. Listen to Irish language radio programmes I highly recommend switching on the radio while on a long journey and soaking up some great Irish language conversations. Here are some great Irish language shows to listen to: Bladhaire on RnaG: A lively talk show covering music, pop culture, current affairs, and the arts all as Gaeilge. Hosted by the bubbly Áine Ní Bhreisleáin, it's modern, funny, and great for learners too. On weekdays at 3pm on Raidió na Gaeltachta. Splanc on Newstalk: Presented by Cuán Ó Flatharta, Splanc covers a wide range of topics and quirky chat. A relaxed show airing every Friday 10pm–midnight on Newstalk, and available as a podcast. Tuairisc on Raidió na Life: This flagship current affairs talk-show has been a staple on Raidió na Life for over 20 years, airing every Tuesday evening at 7pm. Hosted by Eoin and Liam, it offers sharp, thoughtful coverage of local and international news, politics, sport, and the arts. A trusted go-to for weekly analysis and debate. 8. Read books that dive into the culture and history of the language One of my favourite books ever is 32 Words for Field by Manchán Magan. If you want to understand the magic of the language and truly appreciate its linguistic history, I can't think of a better place to start than the first page of this book. His other book Listen to the Land Speak is brilliant as well. 9. Go to a Pop Up Gaeltacht The best way to practice your Irish is to speak it with other Gaelgóirí. The problem is, sometimes it can be hard to find them if they're not in your immediate circle. Pop Up Gaeltacht is a gathering of people who appreciate the language, and like to do so over a pint* or two. Pop Up Gaeltacht happens once a month in Dublin and Cork, the location can change so keep an eye on their Instagram account. It also happens on the last Thursday of each month in Galway. You'll find them dotted all around the country and beyond - there's even been some in Australia, America and Canada! 10. Wear a fáinne An Fáinne is a small circular badge worn to indicate that you speak Irish (or are learning it) and are open to speaking it with others. Wearing one can motivate you to use the language more, and show pride in your learning journey. It's especially helpful in places like cities where Irish speakers are more dispersed. It's a small but powerful way to normalise Irish in public spaces too. You can buy them from places like Gael Linn, Conradh na Gaeilge, or 11. Go to Irish language events There is a plethora of Irish language events throughout the calendar year. is a great place to see what events are coming up. Here are some of my favourites: Liú Lúnasa – Belfast: Held each year at Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, Liú Lúnasa is a vibrant arts and culture festival. It's a three‑day celebration featuring music, spoken‑word events, slam poetry, family workshops, film screenings, talks, and intensive Irish-language classes. Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia – Nationwide: The biggest celebration of Gaeilge agus cultúr in the world. Running annually for the first three weeks of March, it features events in schools, workplaces, pubs, clubs, GAA clubs, and online, from céilís to podcasts to pop-up Gaeltachtaí. 12. Do a short break in a Gaeltacht region and practice your cúpla focal Why not mix your Gaeilge journey with a bit of tourism? The Gaeltacht regions are some of the most scenic in the entire country. They're also a great place to bain trial as and order a coffee or some lunch using your cúpla focal. I personally love An Spidéal and Conamara in Co Galway, Béal an Mhuirthead in Co Mayo, An Rinn in Co Waterford, Daingean Uí Chúis in Co Kerry and Múscraí in Co Cork. 13. Go to an Irish language music festival Féile na Gealaí in Co Meath is a weekend-long celebration of the Irish language, music and arts, completely as Gaeilge. Expect a buzzing campsite, live gigs, poetry, comedy, and workshops — all set in Ráth Chairn, the Gaeltacht of the east. 14. Watch Irish language films It's been a brilliant couple of years for Irish language film. In 2022, An Cailín Ciún - the story of of Cáit, a quiet, neglected girl who finds unexpected care and love when sent to live with distant relatives for the summer - was nominated for an Academy Award. Last year, KNEECAP became the first Irish-language film ever selected for the Sundance Film Festival and won the NEXT Audience Award. Some other great Irish language films to check out are Arracht, Foscadh, Kings and Róise & Frank. 15. Listen to Irish language music The Kneecap lads have really introduced the world to modern Irish language music. However they're not the only ones making great music. Add some more Irish language artists to your Spotify playlists like Imlé, Rónán Ó Snodaigh, An Chéad Ghlúin Eile, Clare Sands, The Gloaming, Róisín Seoighe, Ispíní na hÉireann, James Shannon, Inni-K, Súil Amháin and Le Boom.
The Irish Sun
09-08-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Down GAA lead tributes to ‘our favourite son' & two-time All-Ireland winner who was ‘about greater glory' after death
'GREAT FRIEND' Down GAA lead tributes to 'our favourite son' & two-time All-Ireland winner who was 'about greater glory' after death DOWN GAA hailed Tony Hadden as "one of our favourite sons" following the two-time All-Ireland winner's death. The Newry Shamrocks man passed away on Friday, leaving behind a distinguished and beloved legacy. 2 Tony Hadden sadly died Credit: Sportsfile 2 Hadden, centre, won two All-Ireland titles with Down Credit: Oliver McVeigh / SPORTSFILE After making his senior debut in 1954, Hannen won two All-Ireland medals (1960 and 1961) and four Ulster titles with Down, in addition to a pair of senior county championships with his club. The second of those Sam Maguires, in 1961, saw him play much of the game with a concussion. Hailed as having "given great service" to his county, Hannon was also part of the management team that led Down to their first All-Ireland minor medal in 1977. He was also selector under Joe Lennon as the Mournemen won the 1981 provincial championship with victory over Armagh in the final. In an emotional tribute, Down GAA said they were saddened to lose "one of your favourite sons" who "was about the greater glory". By the time he retired at the end of the 1963 campaign, "he had given nine years of great service to the Red and Black on the field of play." The Down GAA tribute read: "He had played in Wembley, and in America and at all times he had given of his best. "He was part of a team that made history, yet Tony never sought headlines or fanfares. "For Tony, it was about giving. "He gave of his time, his energy, his commitment and his knowledge, to try and make a difference, to make Down Football better and to have success. 'Aged like milk on a windowsill in July' - Watch BBC's GAA pundits ALL predict Donegal to beat Kerry "We in Down GAA were privileged to have Tony Hadden in our midst. "He was a man who spanned the generations and had a great affinity with people of all ages. "He was widely respected throughout the game, always a gentleman who never forgot his roots. "He was a proud Newry Man, a proud Shamrocks Man and a proud Down Man. "Tony was one of those men who helped make us the proud people that we are. "When we think of Tony Hadden, we think of greatness and we also think of humility, for he sought only to give of his best for his family, his Club and his County. "A truly great Gael who we are proud to say was one of our own. "We extend our deepest sympathy to Tony's Wife Carolyn, his many nieces and nephews, the entire Hadden family circle and to the Gaels of Newry Shamrocks at this sad time." 'GREAT FRIEND' In addition to his impact on the county team, Hadden has gone down as an all-time great with the Newry Shamrocks. Having won two minor medals in 1953 and 1954, he carried on his pedigree into the senior ranks. He won two county titles with his club in 1956 and 1961 - the latter coming the same year as his second Sam Maguire - while he added a junior football championship in 1973. In an emotional tribute, Newry Shamrocks described him as a "great friend, player and esteemed clubman". The club mourned: "Tony's name is woven into the history of our club. "From our early home in River Street, to the hall in Boat Street, to our present clubrooms at Páirc Esler, Tony was always to the fore – a true volunteer who epitomised service to our club. "On the field, his brilliance for Shamrocks earned him a place among Down's greatest ever footballers. "Yet no matter how high he climbed, Tony always remained, first and foremost, a Shamrocks man. "Off the pitch, Tony served on numerous committees and as Club Treasurer for many years, bringing diligence, organisation and vision. "His leadership helped guide the building of our Social Club in 1977, including securing a grant of £20,000 from Bass Ireland. "As a manager, coach, advisor and trusted mentor, Tony shared his knowledge freely, inspiring generations of Shamrocks players and teaching us all the values of commitment and pride in the green and white. "We in Newry Shamrocks GAC have been privileged and honoured to call Tony a teammate, a leader and a friend. "A gentleman, a proud Newry man, a proud Down man and a proud Shamrocks man to the end – Tony Hadden will forever be part of our club's story. "We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Carolyn, the Hadden family circle, and all who knew and loved him."
Sunday World
06-08-2025
- General
- Sunday World
Tributes paid to school teacher and mum-of-four after ‘devastating loss'
Imelda Bannon, who taught at St Eoghan's Primary School in Moneyneena, passed away on Monday The sudden death of a 'beloved' teacher and mother-of-four from Londonderry has left a community shocked. Imelda Bannon, who taught at St Eoghan's Primary School in Moneyneena, passed away on Monday. She has been remembered as a "very dear friend [and] colleague' by her colleagues. In a joint statement, the school's principal Paschal Diamond and the Board of Governors' chair Brian McGuigan said: "It is with a sense of profound and deep sadness that we share the news with our school family and community of the loss of our very dear friend, colleague and beloved teacher, Mrs Imelda Bannon. "We extend our deepest sympathy to her husband Robert and their four beautiful children as well as her entire close family circle. "May her gentle soul rest safe in the arms of Jesus." Neighbouring St Mary's Primary School also paid tribute to the young mother. "The school community of St Mary's PS Draperstown are deeply saddened to hear of Imelda's death," it said. "We offer our sincere sympathy to her family and the school community of St Eoghan's Primary School, Moneyneena. "Such a devastating loss. "We will be keeping Imelda's family and all at St Eoghan's close in thought and prayer. May Imelda rest in peace." Local GAA club, Michael Davitt GAC, also offered condolences to Imelda's grieving loved ones. "The committee and members of Michael Davitt GAC Swatragh would like to extend their deepest sympathies to the Bannon and McFlynn families on the death of Imelda,' it said. "Our pitch coordinator Robert (Rab), vice-chairperson Paul, our former senior hurler Oran, Imelda's children Éadaon, Bróna, Oisín and Áine and the wider Bannon and McFlynn families are in our thoughts and prayers. "Our Lady, Queen of the Gael, pray for her." In a death notice, Imelda is described as "beloved wife of Robert and loving mother of Éadaon, Bróna, Oisín and Áine; beloved daughter of Marian and the late Fergal McFlynn and much adored sister of Paul (Roisin), Gemma (Gareth) and Oran (Catherine) and a much loved aunt; Daughter-in-law of Bernadette and the late Sandy Bannon and sister-in-law of Raymond, Patrick and Maria." Funeral details are yet to be confirmed. Imelda Bannon News in 90 Seconds - August 6th
Belfast Telegraph
06-08-2025
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
Tributes paid to NI school teacher and mum-of-four after ‘devastating loss'
Imelda Bannon, who taught at St Eoghan's Primary School in Moneyneena, passed away on Monday. She has been remembered as a "very dear friend ]and] colleague' by her colleagues. In a joint statement, the school's principal Paschal Diamond and the Board of Governors' chair Brian McGuigan said: "It is with a sense of profound and deep sadness that we share the news with our school family and community of the loss of our very dear friend, colleague and beloved teacher, Mrs Imelda Bannon. "We extend our deepest sympathy to her husband Robert and their four beautiful children as well as her entire close family circle. "May her gentle soul rest safe in the arms of Jesus." Neighbouring St Mary's Primary School also paid tribute to the young mother. "The school community of St Mary's PS Draperstown are deeply saddened to hear of Imelda's death," it said. "We offer our sincere sympathy to her family and the school community of St Eoghan's Primary School, Moneyneena. "Such a devastating loss. "We will be keeping Imelda's family and all at St Eoghan's close in thought and prayer. May Imelda rest in peace." Local GAA club, Michael Davitt GAC, also offered condolences to Imelda's grieving loved ones. "The committee and members of Michael Davitt GAC Swatragh would like to extend their deepest sympathies to the Bannon and McFlynn families on the death of Imelda,' it said. "Our pitch coordinator Robert (Rab), vice-chairperson Paul, our former senior hurler Oran, Imelda's children Éadaon, Bróna, Oisín and Áine and the wider Bannon and McFlynn families are in our thoughts and prayers. "Our Lady, Queen of the Gael, pray for her." In a death notice, Imelda is described as "beloved wife of Robert and loving mother of Éadaon, Bróna, Oisín and Áine; beloved daughter of Marian and the late Fergal McFlynn and much adored sister of Paul (Roisin), Gemma (Gareth) and Oran (Catherine) and a much loved aunt; Daughter-in-law of Bernadette and the late Sandy Bannon and sister-in-law of Raymond, Patrick and Maria."
Irish Daily Mirror
06-08-2025
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tributes flow for 'beloved teacher' after sudden death: 'The kindest soul'
Tributes have poured in for a primary school teacher and mother-of-four in Co Derry who died suddenly this week. Imelda Bannon, a teacher at St Eoghan's Primary School in Moneyneena, sadly passed away on Monday. Belfast Live reports that she was described as a "very dear friend, colleague and beloved teacher" in a touching tribute from the school's principal and the chair of the Board of Governors. In a joint statement, the principal Paschal Diamond and the Board of Governors chair Brian McGuigan said: "It is with a sense of profound and deep sadness that we share the news with our school family and community of the loss of our very dear friend, colleague and beloved teacher, Mrs Imelda Bannon. "We extend our deepest sympathy to her husband Robert and their four beautiful children as well as her entire close family circle. May her gentle soul rest safe in the arms of Jesus. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dhílis." The nearby St Mary's Primary School in Draperstown also expressed condolences, saying: "The school community of St Mary's PS Draperstown are deeply saddened to hear of Imelda's death. We offer our sincere sympathy to her family and the school community of St Eoghan's Primary School, Moneyneena. Such a devastating loss. We will be keeping Imelda's family and all at St Eoghan's close in thought and prayer. May Imelda rest in peace." The GAA club in Swatragh, Michael Davitt GAC, said: "The committee and members of Michael Davitt GAC Swatragh would like to extend their deepest sympathies to the Bannon and McFlynn families on the death of Imelda. "Our pitch coordinator Robert (Rab), vice-chairperson Paul, our former senior hurler Oran, Imelda's children Éadaon, Bróna, Oisín and Áine and the wider Bannon and McFlynn families are in our thoughts and prayers. Our Lady, Queen of the Gael, pray for her." In a family notice, she is described as "beloved wife of Robert and loving mother of Éadaon, Bróna, Oisín and Áine; beloved daughter of Marian and the late Fergal McFlynn and much adored sister of Paul (Roisin), Gemma (Gareth) and Oran (Catherine) and a much loved aunt; Daughter-in-law of Bernadette and the late Sandy Bannon and sister-in-law of Raymond, Patrick and Maria." In a tribute published on social media, one person said: "She was one of the gentlest, kindest souls... quiet, sincere, and beautiful both inside and out. Her light truly shone from within, and although her time in this world was far too short, I've no doubt she left a lasting impression on everyone whose lives she touched." Another said: "So very sad and shocked to hear this heartbreaking news of Imelda's sudden death. She was part of our Derry Diocese pilgrimage to Rome for World Youth Day 25 years ago this month - such a lovely girl. May God bring her to paradise and comfort her heartbroken family." Funeral details have yet to be confirmed. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here
