PICTURES: Recognition for Irish language use in Limerick schools

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STUDENTS from six schools in STUDENTS from six schools in Limerick have been presented with a Gaelbhratach (Irish flag) at a ceremony in Mary Immaculate College.
have been presented with a Gaelbhratach (Irish flag) at a ceremony in Mary Immaculate College.

Flags were awarded in recognition of students’ efforts to inspire and empower their school communities to speak Irish. A total of 130 flags have been awarded to post-primary schools this year – almost double the figure from last year.

The Limerick schools that were awarded a Gaelbhratach were: Ardscoil Mhuire, Corbally, Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, Clare Street, Limerick city, Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ, Limerick city, Limerick East Educate Together Secondary School, Castletroy, Mungret Community College and St Clement's College, Limerick city.

Tea and discussion sessions, board games, a céilí, debating, poster competition, quizzes and a pop-up cinema were just some of the activities set up and run by student committees in Limerick that were recognised for their promotion of the Irish language.

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Run by Gael Linn, ‘Gaelbhratach’ encourages primary and secondary school students to speak Irish outside of the formal classroom setting. Students attended the ceremony which marked the 11th year of the scheme in post-primary schools.

Mungret Community College was also awarded a special prize ‘Zón Gaeilge is fear / Timpeallacht - Best surroundings’ for particularly outstanding work in promoting the language in their new building with posters, signs, bracelets and coffee cups with Irish phrases on them. This award was revealed as a surprise during the presentation of flags.

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

Ní Bhraonáin added: “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.”

The Gaelbhratach scheme officially began in the 2012/13 school year at primary level and at secondary level the following year.