Cloneyhurke NS pupils awarded for breathing new life into Irish language

Recipe writing; bingo; circus workshops and card games - all conducted through the medium of Irish - were just some of the initiatives that earned the enterprising pupils from Cloneyhurke National School in Offaly a coveted Gaelbhratach for their school.

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.

As part of the celebrations at the awards ceremony, which took place in Roscrea last week, pupils from Cloneyhuyrke NS 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.

Cloneyhurke NS, which is located between the village of Cloneygowan and the town of Portarlington, was built in 1908 and is currently in its 116th year. The current principal in the two-classroom school is Ciarán Cunniffe.

Edel Ní Bhraonáin, Bainisteoir Gaelbhratach said the initiative gives young people of any age or background the opportunity to "use and develop their Irish language skills outside of the traditional classroom setting" and aims to put the student voice "at the centre of their learning through the Gaelbhratach committee." She also pointed out that the Gaelbhratach initiative empowers students in Offaly, and across the country, to take "active ownership of their language use" and learn while promoting Irish in "meaningful, self-directed ways."

Ms. Ní Bhraonáin said the Gaelbhratach 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, and 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” she said

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.