Limerick GAA club Ahane recognised for work on developing the Irish language

AHANE GAA/LGFA are basking in national glory after they were awarded a Silver/Bronze Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha award for their work in developing Gaeilge in the clubs in 2023. Ahane are the only club in Limerick to be recognised and one of just three in Munster.

The only club in Limerick and one of the 3 clubs in Munster.  "It's been great working with muintir CLG Átháin on initiatives like summer camp as Gaeilge, monthly conversation group, céilí, trad music sessions, sports day and a football blitz in conjunction with Deirbhile Ryan at Ahane Ladies Football club," said Denis Kelly, Ahane's Oifigeach Gaeilge. 

"The emphasis is on fun and inclusion so that cultural activities expand the clubs footprint to knit together sport, music, art and language working together with other organisations in the community, from Comhlatas, ACM, local schools and of course Ahane Ladies Football.

"A great example of the approach was the summer camp as Gaeilge, here our future heros honed leadership & teamwork skills through, sport, music and art as Gaeilge. This gave both parent and child an opportunity to have a mini gaeltacht experience, here in east Limerick."

Deirbhile Ryan, the LGFA Irish officer, who celebrated the bronze award for the club stated "Its great to get this award in our first year in the program. Our members really responded to the challenge to use their cúpla focal."

Ahane GAA’s Club chairman Dónal Morrissey reinforces the importance of culture to the club. "The importance of heritage and culture to Atháin CLG cannot be underestimated, it is what identifies us as a GAA club and sets us apart from other sporting organisations. Leveraging our position to sponsor Irish language activities is a win win for both the club and wider community."

Ahane GAA/LGFA are currently planning their cultural program for 2024. The theme for 2024 will be built around inclusiveness. 

Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha is a collaborative initiative between Glór na nGael and the GAA. The partnership is dedicated to enhancing the presence and usage of the Irish language across GAA clubs nationwide. These medals serve as a testament to the clubs' ongoing efforts in integrating the Irish language into their activities and fostering its growth among their members and communities.