Write a comment106 local children have attended the week-long Irish course in St Patrick’s Primary School, The Meadow, Newry.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey visited St John Bosco Irish Language Summer Scheme and spoke a ‘cúpla focal Gaeilge’ (couple of words of Irish) to the children.
Cllr Casey was delighted to experience the lively atmosphere generated by the energetic team who organised the Summer Scheme and hear about the various activities the children took part in, including a bilingual Zumba class and learning Irish language songs.
In welcoming the project he said, “It is clear to see that a huge amount of work has been put into preparing for the Summer Scheme and it’s wonderful to see so many young people learn Irish as they enjoy themselves through sport, art and music.
“I am aware that there are twelve or more Irish language summer schemes that take place in the district each summer and I am delighted to have seen one in action. I want to encourage everyone to bring their cúpla focal home to their friends and family and to continue to learn and share the beautiful language.”
A representative from the Council’s Irish Language Unit was also in attendance to record the children’s speech and music, which will be included in a radio programme for broadcast on Raidió Fáilte, an Irish language community radio station, later in the year. This is part of a wider project, showcasing the excellent work done across the district’s Irish language summer schemes.
