Funding of over €683,000 has been awarded to develop an Irish Language Foundation named for the late Galway hurling legend Joe McDonagh and support gaelscoils keeping Irish alive in the home.
Glór na Gael was recently awarded this funding by Minister of State for the Irish Language and Galway TD Seán Kyne to develop the Joe McDonagh Foundation and support the Teanga Tí/Family Language Scheme.
Joe McDonagh was a legendary hurler in Galway, President of the GAA and a strong supporter of the Irish Language.
This foundation encourages the use of the language in innovative ways in GAA clubs. So far 128 clubs nationwide have signed up including six in Galway.
The Teanga Tí/Family Language Scheme works with gaelscoils to support homes where Irish is still the primary spoken language.
It works in partnerships with 15 gaelscoils in total, including Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh in Knocknacarra, and targets areas which are outside of traditional gaeltachts.
“These schemes support the use of Irish both outside of the education system and outside of traditional Gaeltacht areas and I am delighted to be able to approve this funding to help further develop the schemes over the next four years,” Seán Kyne said.
The Joe McDonagh Foundation scheme is administered by Glór na nGael and the GAA and gives clubs the chance to integrate Irish into all aspects of its activities.
It suggests 70 actions clubs can take which could increase Irish’s use both in the club itself and within the wider community.
Some options include holding language classes, arranging social events and organising training through Irish, producing Irish language signage, using the language in communications, on social media and websites, and appointing an Irish Language Officer.
Clubs are awarded a bronze, silver or gold medal based on the number of actions successfully implemented.
Clubs participating in the Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha
| Co. na Gaillimhe | Cumann Liathróid Láimhe Anach Dhúin (Annaghdown) |
| Baile an Doirín CLG (Ballinderreen) | |
| Cumann Peil na mBan Maigh Cuilinn | |
| Bearna CLG | |
| Na Piarsaigh, Rosmuc, CLG | |
| Gaeil na Gaillimhe CLG (Galway City) |
| Co. Mhaigh Eo | Cumann Liathróid Láimhe Thuar Mhic Éadaigh |
| Cill tSeadhna CLG, Iorras (Kiltane, Erris) | |
| Baile an Chaisil CLG, Maigh Eo (Ballycastle) | |
| Tuar Mhic Éadaigh CLG | |
| Cill Chomáin CLG (Kilcommon) | |
| Na Mistéalaigh CLG, Caisleán an Bharraigh (Castlebar) | |
| Cnoc Mór, Maigh Eo, CLG (Knockmore) | |
| Acla CLG (Achill) | |
| Moy Davitts CLG, Foxford |
Schools participating in the Teanga Tí/Family Language Scheme:
- Scoil Mhuire, na Doirí Beaga – Derrybeg, Co. Donegal
- Scoil Mhic Amhlaigh, Gallaimh – Knocknacarra, Galway City
- Scoil Lorcáin, BÁC – Blackrock, Co. Dublin
- Scoil Gharbháin, Grúpa 1 – Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
- Scoil Gharbháin, Grúpa 2 – Dungarvan Co. Waterford
- Gaelscoil an Chaisleáin, Baile an Chollaigh – Ballincollig, Co. Cork
- SN Rann na Feirste – Ranafast, Co. Donegal
- BS na mBráithre Críostaí, Ard Mhacha – Co. Armagh
- SN Uí Ghnamhnaigh, Ráth Chairm – Co. Meath
- SN Ros Dumhach – Rosdoagh, Ballina, Co. Mayo
- Scoil Mobhí, Baile Átha Cliath – Glasnevin, Dublin
- SN Réidh na nDoirí, Corcaigh – Macroom, Co. Cork
- Scoil Lachtaín Naofa, Cill na Martra – Kilnamartyra, Co. Cork
- Scoil Chrónáin, BÁC – Rathcoole, Co. Dublin
- Scoil Naithí, BÁC – Ballinteer, Dublin.
