Young students from Limerick are breathing life into the Irish language

PRIMARY school students from Anglesboro National School in Limerick attended an awards ceremony last week in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, where they were presented with a Gaelbhratach.  

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.

Now in their third year of the Gaelbhratach programme, Anglesboro National School has earned their second flag – a symbol of their dedication to promoting Irish. Their Gaelbhratach committee spans all ages, from first to sixth class, including a representative from their Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) class.

Phrases of the week, Irish board games, Gaelgeoir na Seachtaine and yard games in Irish are just some of the activities set up and run by the student committee in Anglesboro National School that was recognised for its promotion of the Irish language.

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Principal of Anglesboro National School, Séan Kearney spoke about the initiative : “Taking on any extra project can be a lot of work for teachers, but the Gaelbhratach is something truly special. It’s incredibly rewarding for the children, they’re doing it not just for their teachers, but for themselves and for each other.

“While many children don’t get the chance to use Irish at home, our school creates that opportunity every day. It’s not just about formal Irish classes. We’ve hosted Irish language board game days where the entire school comes together - mixing classes, playing, and learning together. The students on the committee take charge, ensuring that everyone feels included.

“For us in this rural school, Gaelbhratach has grown beyond a scheme - it’s become a movement. A movement that has empowered students, supported teachers, and revived Gaeilge in the classroom.”

A total of 163 flags were awarded to primary schools this year – over double the figure from last year – in recognition of the students’ efforts to inspire and empower their school communities to speak Irish.  In May of this year, a further 140 flags were presented to students from post-primary schools.

As part of the celebrations at the awards ceremony students from Limerick enjoyed interactive games led by former Gaelbhratach committee members Máire Ní Churraoin and Barry ó Siochriú. Entertainment by Giggles the clown and games included an obstacles course, tug of war, a céilí and a well-earned ice cream to wrap up the day. 

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 Gaelbhratach initiative empowers students in Limerick to take active ownership of their language use and learning while promoting Irish in meaningful, self-directed ways.