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A young Newry resident has taken it up themselves to help encourage people to use a little bit more Irish as they go about the city during their day to day lives.
Sky O'Hanlon believes part of the reason why people don't use Irish is that they are embarrassed to use it. "As learners, many of us have a cúpla focal but I personally feel we are embarrassed to use Irish because people aren’t expecting to hear it. It catches them off guard and that makes us hold back." Sky said.
The plan is for the campaign to help change that that. "I want people to feel comfortable using the language naturally, and build a community where hearing a word or two of Irish feels completely normal."
To that aim Sky has embraced the Cúpla Focal window sticker scheme, part of a Foras na Gaeilge project that lets customers know Irish is welcome in local businesses.
"Displaying a “Tá Cúpla Focal Agam” window sticker on your business helps to make An tIúr (Newry) become a more inclusive and welcoming place for Irish speakers and learners. You don’t need to know Irish, just be open to hearing it." Sky explains.
Quite a few venues have signed up already including: The Magnet Centre, The Bookshelf, Elysium Wellness Centre, McCoys Bar, The Railway Bar, Studio 23, Síobhans Salon, Shine, Elk Books and Deli Lites.
As Sky points out "Ár dteanga féin - It’s our language"
To find out more or to sign up go to the Cúpla Focal - An tIúr group at www.facebook.com
