Sixteen Irish speaking students at University of Galway have been awarded special scholarships and on-campus accommodation under a new scheme for Irish speakers.
The students will share Teach na Gaeilge in Corrib Village for the 2022/23 academic year and receive €1,000 to support them with their accommodation costs.
The Irish Language Residential Scheme was first established in the University in 1991 and was relaunched for the current academic year.
It provides accommodation for students who speak Irish and aims to further develop the Irish speaking community on-campus.
Applications for places in Teach na Gaeilge were received from around the country, with students hoping to secure accommodation with fellow Irish speakers studying in the University.
Cliodhna Ní Mhianáin, who secured a place through the scheme, said that she was raised in a vibrant Irish speaking community, and that is where she is most comfortable.
She said that she believes the Irish language community share a friendship, craic and the same raison d’être which you don’t get within monolingual communities.
“I believe, with the University being so central, that a great mix of Irish speakers from each corner of the country will come together to study, along with the Connemara community, and that this will ensure a diverse range of dialects,” said Cliodhna.
“The Irish Language Residential Scheme provides students like me with the opportunity to meet these Irish speakers and I couldn’t be more excited for the year ahead.”
Deputy President and Registrar of University of Galway, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, said the creation of Teach na Gaeilge and the scholarship support shows the University’s true dedication to the promotion of the Irish language among our students.
“It also highlights how much we value and respect the Irish language and how committed we are to strengthening and reinforcing its use on campus.
“These students are ambassadors for the Irish language. They will be a central part of the University’s Irish language community and that of the city.
“This socialisation is of the utmost importance in terms of language practices and use.
“Teach na Gaeilge and the Irish Language Residential Scheme also shows the University community that the Irish language is central to all aspects of life here in University of Galway.”
