Mayo students flying the flag for the Irish language

STUDENTS from two schools in Mayo were presented with a Gaelbhratach (Irish flag) at a ceremony in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, this week.

St. Joseph's Secondary School, Foxford, and St. Joseph's Community College, Charlestown, were both awarded a Gaelbhratach.

A treasure hunt, set dancing, a workshop for St. Brigid’s festival and intercom announcements as Gaeilge are just some of the activities set up and run by student committees in Mayo that were recognised for their promotion of the Irish language.

Run by Gael Linn, Gaelbhratach is a national initiative that encourages primary and secondary school students to speak Irish outside of the formal classroom setting.

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.

Commenting on the awards, Edel Ní Bhraonáin, bainisteoir, Gaelbhratach said: “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.

“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 Mayo to take active ownership of their language use and learning while promoting Irish in meaningful, self-directed ways.

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. 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 is available here.