Louise Loves: Foras na Gaeilge initiative reaches 4.3 million people!

CREIDIM Ionat, a Foras na Gaeilge initiative draws to a close this week, leaving people wanting more! As the Irish language organisation responsible for the promotion of the Irish language on the island of Ireland, Foras na Gaeilge is thrilled with the widespread participation, engagement and goodwill the partnership has brought about.

The online community from every corner of the world participated in the Creidim Ionat campaign.Creidim Ionat has resonated far and wide with an online reach of 4.3 million people in 83 countries leading to 83 million impressions and1.3 million video views on online content to date.

Creidim Ionat(I Believe in You) was launched online, on radio and on TV on October 17, 2022. The innovative and collaborative initiative aims to nurture widespread awareness of the Irish language. Since its launch both the public and well-known personalities have supported each other with knowledge, tips and encouragement to gain the confidence to speak Irish.

The campaign followed RTÉ podcast Beo ar Éigean hosts Áine Ní Bhreisleáin, Sinéad Ní Uallacháin and Siún Ní Dhuinn, as they mentored and supported three well-known personalities on their Irish language journey,Michael Fry(comedian),Marty Morrissey(RTÉ presenter and commentator) and Marissa Carter (founder and CEO of Carter Beauty), to achieve their own personal language goal within four weeks.

Creidim Ionat saw Marty Morrissey deliver a GAA-PWC All-Star football award as Gaeilge live on RTÉ One,Marissa Carter do a live make-up tutorial as Gaeilge on The Today Show and Michael Fry do a comedy sketch entirely as Gaeilge.

Thousands of people from around the world engaged online from as far afield as Australia, Spain, Canada, New Zealand, France, New York and Germany. Creidim Ionat has connected a vibrant and supportive Irish language community on social media, not only in Ireland, but throughout the world. The number of participants taking part in the mentor/mentee led campaign grew from week to week as people picked a partner and set a goal. These participants achieved their personal language goals which included ordering as Gaeilge in aGaeltacht restaurant, playing Guess Who? as Gaeilge, taking surfing lessons through Irish and reading an Irish language novel for the first time!

Step into Christmas with an evening of music and stories 

Acclaimed novelist Colum McCann will be joined by a host of celebrated writers and musicians including the Frames violinist Colm Mac Con Iomaire this Christmas in Limerick on Tuesday December 13 at 1314 Cecil Street at 7.30pm. An Ode to Christmas will celebrate Christmas’ past through music, song and story.

Colum McCann says “We have not been able to run this event since 2019. I am really looking forward to it, I love to come home to Ireland at Christmas time. The event also raises money for Narrative 4, an education youth project that is very close to my heart”.

The event raises funds for school programme Narrative 4, an intervention programme that teaches empathy skills to young people to address isolation and bullying. Narrative 4 have trained teachers in 250 secondary schools across Ireland and run the Empathy School Award.

Tickets for the event can be purchased on Narrative4.ie.

BREAKING: Dermot Kennedy announces summer gig in Limerick stadium

TO DO

CHRISTMAS IN LIMERICK

With a jam-packed schedule underway. There is something for everyone happening in Limerick this Christmas. Check out limerick.ie.

TO LISTEN

ROBERT GRACE – NOT OK

Robert Grace continues to skew the formula by adding some emo and hyper pop vibes to the mix on ‘Not OK’! Worth a listen.

TO SEE

DEC PIERCE- BLOCK ROCKIN’ BEATS LIVE AT THE BIG TOP

Block Rockin Beats is a truly spectacular and unique live performance of the biggest dance anthems from the past 3 decades!