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Irish Language Summer School Coláiste Shliabh gCuilinn celebrates it's 10th anniversary this year.
The Summer School takes place from the 22nd of July to the 2nd of August.
Started in 2004, this Irish language summer school has offered two weeks of Gaeilge to boys and girls in south Armagh, Newry and Mourne and indeed, one student all the way from New York whose family plan their holidays around the highly-rated course.
Dromintee native Ciara McCoy is involved with the running of Coláiste Shliabh gCuilinn, and she explained why it has been so successful "As a teacher of Irish at secondary level for many years, it has always been clear that the students coming into year 8 with some knowledge of Irish have much more confidence in the language and progress very quickly.
" I wanted to give that opportunity to the children of Dromintee and the surrounding areas, in essence it is a head-start for them as they prepare to further their education, while they have fun at the same time.
" There is a strong Irish Language tradition in Dromintee parish which now boasts an Irish-medium Nursery, Naíscoil Shliabh gCuilinn. On top of this, club members, both young and old, are learning the language and it is becoming more associated with our everyday life.
“We have been very lucky to have the full support of Dromintee GAC committee who place the promotion of our language and culture high on the list of priorities.
"An excellent staff in Coláiste Shliabh gCuilinn each year has allowed us to teach a lot of Irish along with enjoying our native sports, dances and songs. It is great to see the same faces returning year after year."
With the course just a few weeks away, Ciara is hopeful that in it's 10th year, the course will be stronger than ever.
"We have a lot planned for the two weeks and we're looking forward to it," she said.
"As usual, we are greatly helped by Foras na Gaeilge and the Irish Language Unit of Newry and Mourne Council.
"People like Micí Walsh have been a great help to us in recent years by helping us when we needed to apply for funding and visiting us during the course to offer advice."
Coláiste Shliabh gCuilinn is based in Dromintee GAC clubrooms and takes place this year between 22nd July – 2nd August at a cost of £50 per child. Included in that is the classes, and all the other cultural activities such as singing, dancing and sport.
Anyone who would like further information about the course are asked to contact Ciara on 07980294701 or by emailing ciaramccoy@hotmail.com
