Could you speak as Gaeilge for 24 hours?

The Gaeilge24 challenge takes place today where young people are encouraged to speak only Irish for 24hrs.:

A  fun-filled program of events has been put together focusing on wellbeing and 15,000 students in 150 schools across 29 counties - as well as groups overseas - will take part in the  challenge with Conradh na Gaeilge TODAY.

The theme of the event this year is wellbeing, due to Covid-19 restrictions, Conradh na Gaeilge will be running online events that young people can take part in - a HIIT session, a yoga class, meditation and a huge tráth na gceist to help participants complete the challenge. There are also many events that can be organised with social distancing still in place, many of which have been recommended by the Gaeilge24 team on social media over the past few days - showing films in Irish, composing or translating Irish songs and much more.

Yu Ming is supporting and taking part in the campaign this year after gaining fame in ‘Yu Ming Is Ainm Dom’ several years ago. 

Students are asked to speak Irish not only at school and with their teachers and classmates but at home, at the shops and local businesses and with friends.

“The Gaeilge24 challenge helps to open young people's minds to the language in a fun, relevant way and gives them a positive experience of using Irish in their own lives. We understand that many events, trips and excursions will be cancelled this year due to COVID-19 so we are delighted that Gaeilge24 is back for the young people and that there is an emphasis this year on wellbeing” said Dr Niall Comer, President of Conradh na Gaeilge.

Speaking about his experience with Gaeilge24 over the years, Aodhán Ó Deá, Director of Development with Conradh na Gaeilge said ‘We have sent thousands of support packs to schools north and south over the last few days, and we at Conradh na Gaeilge are excited that the Irish language will be used by over 15,000 students as part of Gaeilge24 throughout the island today! This is the eighth year of this unique campaign and Gaeilge24 is always going from strength to strength. This year, Gaeilge24 is focusing on wellbeing. Taking care of yourself, especially young people, from exercise to mindfulness, is very important to be at your healthiest.'

The Irish language community around the world has the opportunity to take part in the challenge online by using the hashtag #Gaeilge24 on Twitter and Instagram.