ULSTER GAA: Promoting Gaeilge in your club

ALL clubs have the ability and opportunity to promote Gaeilge among members and in the club house itself, beag beann ar leibhéal na Gaeilge sa cheantar.

If a club is starting from scratch, or if they have an excellent foireann (team) of people working hard to ensure Gaeilge is le cloisteáil (heard) agus le feiceáil (seen) in their club, all efforts are to be praised and an emphasis put on progress, not fluency.

The most integral part of Gaeilge in the club is the willingness to begin, regardless of level, ability, or experience. To encourage Gaeilge from those who have none, instead of merely nurturing the abilities of those already committed.

However, the importance of practical support in this endeavour cannot be underestimated. Below are some ideas and resources to assist clubs and volunteers on their turas teanga:

– Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha, The Joe McDonagh Foundation Award: A step-by-step guide to promoting and developing the use of Gaeilge in the club, with the opportunity to apply for grants along the way and achieve bronze, silver and gold awards in recognition of your work.

– Organise simple events with a Gaeilge twist throughout the year: Lá spóirt (sports or fun day), ranganna ‘taster’ sessions, maidin caife (coffee morning), bricfeasta mór (‘big breakfast’), tóraíocht taisce (treasure hunt), biongó, tráth na gCeist, seisiúin traenála trí mheán na Gaeilge (coaching / training sessions as Gaeilge).

– Use your club name as Gaeilge, as provided in CLG Uladh club and grounds directory and ensure Gaeilge signage is displayed throughout the clubhouse, as provided by An CLG.

– Ensure club oifigeach Gaeilge communicates with oifigeach an chontae (county cultural officer).

Tá tábhacht ar leith le hacmhainní oideachais a chur ar fáil do bhaill an CLG agus dóibh siúd atá ag tús phróiseas na foghlama. CLG Uladh endeavours to ensure opportunities are provided to its members in order to assist those wishing to avail of cúrsaí Gaeilge.

– CLG Uladh ‘Gaeilge sa Chlub’ scholarships open each summer to adult CLG Uladh members wishing to enrol on the dioplóma course in Ollscoil Uladh. Deis iontach, a great opportunity to avail of a third level qualification on any of Ulster University’s diploma centres: Cookstown, Belfast or Derry City.

– Cúrsa de Faoite, a cúrsa Gaeltachta held in Downings, Dún na nGall, is free to GAA members wishing to immerse themselves sa Ghaeilge and avail of this excellent opportunity to either improve their Gaeilge, return to it after a while, or to take it up for the first time.

Má tá tuilleadh eolais uait, déan teagmháil le hoifigeach Gaeilge an Chúige, Niamh Nic Giolla Dhuibh in Oifigí CLG Uladh.

If you would like further information or assistance on the promotion of Gaeilge in your club, contact Niamh on niamh.mcelduff.ulster@gaa.ie