Young students from Tipperary breathing life into the Irish language

Primary school students from two Tipperary schools, Upper Newtown National School, Faugheen, and St. Mary's Convent Primary School, Nenagh attended an awards ceremony last week in Roscrea where they were presented with a Gaelbhratach.

Both school committees received their flags during a special ceremony held at the Fun Academy, located in Cistercian College, Roscrea, Tipperary.

A drumming workshop, yard games in Irish, quizzes and nature walks are just some of the activities set up and run by the student committees in the Tipperary schools that were recognised for their promotion of the Irish language.

READ NEXT: 'Parish treasures,' two 95-year-old Tipperary women light up the local airwaves

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.

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. In May of this year, a further 140 flags were presented to students from post-primary schools.

As part of the celebrations at the awards ceremony students from Tipperary 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.

READ NEXT: Community to honour retiring doctors and nurses who served in GP practice for decades

Commenting on the awards, Edel Ní Bhraonáin, Bainisteoir Gaelbhratach said: “We were delighted to be back in Roscrea last 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 in Tipperary 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 primary 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.”