Club UISCE launching an all-Irish watersports club in north Mayo

Gaeilge Iorrais, in partnership with Coláiste UISCE, is launching an all-Irish watersports club for young people living in the north Mayo Gaeltacht area.

Club UISCE will commence on a pilot basis on Saturday, October 10, and will continue on Saturday, October 24, depending on weather conditions and public health measures.

Laoise Ní Dhúda, Gaeilge Iorrais, outlined the overall aim of these activities: “We hope to create opportunities and incentives for local young people to practice and use their Irish in an enjoyable social setting and to increase Irish language use among these young people over time.”

Róisín Nic Grianna of Coláiste UISCE added: “Coláiste UISCE is delighted to be working alongside Gaeilge Iorrais in launching Club UISCE in the heart of the Mayo Gaeltacht. We aim to create a safe and fun environment for students.

“This club is an opportunity for young people to use their Irish in a fun and interactive way while also developing and advancing their water sports confidence and skills. It might even inspire some members to become prefects and instructors giving them the opportunity for work with us in the future. Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí.”

This all-Irish club will cater for two groups from Gaeltacht scheme schools in Erris: (i) primary school Gaeltacht scheme students (aged nine to 12), and (ii) first to third year students undertaking some or all of their education trí mheán na Gaeilge (aged 13 to 16).

The club will initially focus on surfing and kayaking skills, sea safety and weather. It will be free of charge but spaces are limited, based on an Irish language policy, and you must register in advance.

If you would like to develop your communication skills as Gaeilge, build on your self-confidence, add to your CV and employment opportunities, and if you would like to meet other young people that speak Irish, register your interest now. You can do so by completing the expression of interest form at https://tinyurl.com/clubuisce before Wednesday, September 30.