Gaelcholáiste Mhaigh Eo welcomes Minister’s support for Irish-Medium education

Gaelcholáiste Mhaigh Eo has responded warmly to positive remarks made by Minister Dara Calleary at Tionól 2026 in Castlebar, last Saturday, where he highlighted the importance of Irish-medium education and its central role in sustaining and growing the language in a meaningful way.

The event, organised by Conradh na Gaeilge, brought together key voices in Irish language, culture and community development, including musician Caitríona Ní Cheannabháin and Gearóid Mac Donnchadha, Ceannaire of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.

For Gaelcholáiste Mhaigh Eo, the Minister’s remarks represent an important acknowledgement of the urgent need to establish an all-Irish second-level school in Castlebar and is a strong endorsement of their proposal.

With four thriving Irish-medium primary schools already operating across Mayo, campaigners say the absence of a dedicated Irish-medium post-primary option is a glaring gap in the county’s educational and cultural landscape.

Without a secondary pathway, the investment in Irish-medium primary education risks being undermined, leaving families without continuity and weakening long-term language development.

The campaign points out that while Mayo’s traditional music, sport and wider cultural life are exceptionally well served and celebrated, immersive Irish-language education remains a missing piece of the county’s cultural infrastructure. This gap must be addressed if the county is to fully realise its cultural and linguistic potential.

“Minister Calleary’s comments at the Tionól were both encouraging and enlightened,” said a spokesperson for Gaelcholáiste Mhaigh Eo. “They reflect the reality on the ground - that Irish-medium education must grow in a way that is realistic, impactful and sustainable. Mayo has the foundations, the demand and the community support. “What is needed now is action.

The spokesperson added: “Gaelcholáiste Mhaigh Eo continues to work constructively with elected representatives from all political parties and remains committed to achieving the establishment of the Gaelcholáiste. We are particularly encouraged by Minister Calleary’s understanding of this issue and his clear appreciation of the need for practical, sustainable growth in Irish-medium education.

“The message from parents and communities is clear: the demand exists, the need is proven and the time to deliver is now.”