Write a commentThousands took to the streets of Dublin at the weekend to celebrate BEO - Gaelach agus Bródúil, a celebration of the Irish Language and the Irish Language community.
The crowd and residents of Dublin city enjoyed live music from Scannal, Delorentos and Kíla, as well as a new Irish language version of the pop hit “Teenage Dirtbag” (“Stócach Brocach” as Gaeilge), newly recorded by Wheatus this week as part of CEOL 2018 .
Speakers, young and old, took to the stage - amongst them were representatives from the Gaeltacht; from language groups around the country; and from sports clubs, as well as Bliain na Gaeilge Ambassadors Eoghan McDermott (2FM), Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh (RTÉ) and Lynette Fay (BBC). President Michael D. Ó hUigín gave a powerful address to the crowd asking everyone to welcome the Irish language into their lives. “For those of you who love our language but may not be confident speaking Irish. The revival of our Irish language starts with each and every one of you. I invite everyone, starting this year in Bliain na Gaeilge, to welcome the Irish language into their lives. To experience, relearn, reengage with it. Tabhair an tarna seans dó. Dare to cherish it. Dare to value it. Dare to use it. Dare to recognise and love it as the most essential part of our culture. However much or little of the language you have, I urge you to use it. I promise you, it will be easier than you imagine!”
The festival showcased the strength of the Irish speaking community, who travelled to the capital on busses from all over the country - people from Gaeltacht areas, parents and children from Gaelscoileanna, sports clubs, community groups and those who wished to show the support for the language.
President of Conradh na Gaeilge an Dr. Niall Comer said “We are here to celebrate the Irish language, our national language, the heart and soul of this country. 125 years on from the the beginning of the revival, there is so much to celebrate and to give recognition to, though there is still far to go. We are now at a new stage in the revival - and it begins with groups such as Na Gaeil Óga here in Dublin, Gaeil na Gaillimhe, An Crann Óg in Gaoth Dóbhair, Laochra Loch Lao, and, of course Carn Tóchair – a new generation who are promoting the language in everyday settings, and who are setting an example for the whole country.”
