Conradh na Gaeilge, the national organisation which aims to promote the use of Irish as the standard language of Ireland, was recently re-established in Laois with the formation of a new branch.
On the December 4 last, in the Midlands Park Hotel Portlaoise, one of its national officials met with local Irish language enthusiasts to form a branch which is known as Cumann Gaelach Chontae Laoise.
The branch, which includes officers working in a voluntary capacity, will prepare a plan to further promote the use of spoken Irish locally.
Dubhghlas de hÍde (Douglas Hyde), who was one of the founders of Conradh na Gaeilge in 1893, was later the first President of Ireland.
This resonates with our current President, Catherine Connolly, who also prioritises speaking Gaeilge. In doing so she gives practical expression to a noble cause.
Likewise, the new Laois branch will promote the use of our native tongue here in The O’Moore County where once, fadó fadó, it held sway.
Cumann Gaelach Chontae Laoise will have delegates at the Ard Fheis for Conradh na Gaeilge which takes place in Belfast from February 20 to 22 next. This means Laois will take its place, at a national decision-making level.
Cathaoirleach Siobhán Uí Chuinn said: “Ar son an craobh nuabhunaithe, cuirim fáilte Úi Cheallaigh roimh bhaill nua a bheith páirteach in imeachtaí agus i reáchtáil na craoibhe.
“Tá áthas orainn a bheith mar chuid de Chonradh na Gaeilge atá ag dul ó neart go neart le breis is 170 craobh reatha agus fás 400% taghta ar bhallraíocht aonair le 3 bliana anuas.
“Mar a deir an seanfhocal ‘Ní neart go cur le chéile’. Aithnímid an obair iontach agus an dea-thoil i leith na Gaeilge atá sa chontae cheana féin agus déanfaimid gach iarracht cur leis.
“Ba mhian linn mar chumann Gaelach deiseanna úsáide Gaeilge rialta a chur ar fáil don phobal agus an Ghaeilge a nascadh leis an saol laethúil.
“Mar thoradh beidh deis ag Gaeilgeoirí aithne a chur ar Ghaeilgeoirí eile agus stádas na Gaeilge a láidriú inár gceantar.
Beatha teanga í a labhairt.”
An Runaí, Tomás Ó Moalagáin said: “We want to show that Irish is a living, social language and it belongs to everyone.
“You don’t need perfect Irish, just an interest in the language and an open mind.
“Laois is proud of its thriving Irish community, and we are looking to expand this by making it welcoming and community based. Our main goal is to make Irish friendly and accessible.”
Anyone interested in joining Cumann Gaelach Chontae Laoise or providing support in other ways can contact the Cumann at the following email address: cumanngaelachlaoise@cnag.ie
They are also on social media on Instagram at cnag_laoise and Facebook at Cumann Gaelach Chontae Laoise.
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