An a mhaith ar fád! Kildare students fly the flag for the Irish language

Students from five different schools in County Kildare were presented with a Gaelbhratach (Irish flag) at a ceremony in Mary Immaculate College, County Limerick, earlier this week.

Run by the Irish language advocate group Gael Linn, the 'Gaelbhratach' scheme, which is now in its 11th year for post-primary schools, encourages primary and secondary school students to speak Irish outside of the formal classroom setting. 

Talent shows, a coffee morning, quizzes, a seanfhocal competition and a treasure hunt are just some of the activities set up and run by student committees in Kildare which were recognised for their promotion of the Irish language.

A total of 130 flags have been awarded to post-primary schools this year — almost double the figure from last year. Flags were awarded in recognition of students’ efforts to inspire and empower their school communities to speak Irish. 

The schools in Kildare that were awarded a Gaelbhratach were: Confey Community College, Leixlip; Gaelcholáiste Chill Dara, Naas; Gaelcholáiste Mhaigh Nuad, Maynooth; Naas Community College, Naas; and Salesian College, Celbridge.

 Photographed at the Gaelbhratach awards ceremony was the coiste Gaelbhratach from Confey Community College, Leixlip, County Kildare. All photos taken by Cathal Mac an Bheatha and supplied by Alice PR

In addition, Salesian College, Celbridge was awarded a special prize titled "Mol an Óige agus Tiocfaidh sí — Praise the Youth and they will flourish" for their student's work in providing a positive and creative space for the Irish language in the school.

Photographed at the Gaelbhratach awards ceremony was the coiste Gaelbhratach from Salesian College, Celbridge, County Kildare

This award was revealed as a surprise during the presentation of flags.

Photographed at the Gaelbhratach awards ceremony was the coiste Gaelbhratach from Gaelcholáiste Chill Dara, Naas, County Kildare

Edel Ní Bhraonáin, Bainisteoir Gaelbhratach, explained that the 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".

She elaborated: "The programme aims to put the student voice at the centre of their learning through the Gaelbhratach committee.

"The student-led committee plays a central role in guiding Gaelbhratach initiatives throughout the school year, empowering students in Kildare to take active ownership of their language use and learning while promoting Irish in meaningful, self-directed ways."

Ms Ní Bhraonáin continued: "The scheme is going from strength to strength, with 65 schools being awarded a flag for the first time this year.

"It’s inspiring to see young people’s growing passion for the language."

She concluded: "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."

Further information about the Gaelbhratach scheme can be viewed on https://gaelbhratach.ie/en/home/.

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