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St Colman's College in Newry has become the joint first school in County Down to be awarded the prestigious Gaelbhratach flag, receiving the honour at a special ceremony in Limerick on 12 May. The college was also the only school in Ulster to attend this year's ceremony, marking a significant milestone for the Irish language in the school and the wider county. Glenlola Collegiate School, Bangor also received an award.
The Gaelbhratach flag award recognises the vibrant use of Irish throughout the entire school community over the past academic year, driven by a student-led Gaelbhratach committee made up of pupils from first through to seventh year. The committee was chaired by Seán Devlin, with Fionn McCaul as secretary and Finn Cumiskey as PRO.
Sixth and seventh-year A-Level Irish students played a central role in the initiative, acting as ambassadors for the language among younger pupils and staff. Among the highlights was an outreach programme in which students taught Irish to pupils at two local primary schools, St Patrick's Primary and St Joseph's Primary. Staff from across the school, including secretaries, receptionists, classroom assistants, canteen staff, cleaners and teachers, also took part in a six-week beginner Irish-language programme taught by the students, which culminated in a Christmas outing.
The college's calendar of Irish-language activities included céilís with Sacred Heart Grammar School and Our Lady's Grammar School, quizzes, games, a Bingo Loco event, Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations, a presentation to the Irish language committee in Dáil Éireann and a trip to TikTok headquarters in Dublin. The PE department also contributed, with senior students delivering Irish-language football training sessions for junior pupils using Irish as the sole language of communication.
The committee launched an Irish-language TikTok account, GaeilgeCC, posting daily content during the 17 days of Seachtain na Gaeilge which amassed tens of thousands of views and likes.
Students travelled to Limerick on 11 and 12 May for the Gaelbhratach awards celebrations, where they took part in treasure hunts, interviews, workshops and collaborations with TG4, and even stepped in as weather presenters for the day. In addition to the Gaelbhratach flag, the college returned with an Award of Excellence Plaque for its outreach work with local schools and staff. The awards were presented to Principal Mr McCormac McKinney and Vice-Principals Kevin Franklin and Helen Doherty.
The college was also awarded a special prize - Most Inclusive Committee, for particularly outstanding work in ensuring all students were involved in the Gaelbhratach initiative within the school. This award was revealed as a surprise during the presentation of flags.
Speaking at the event, a past pupil on the scheme, Máire Ní Churraoin, TV presenter, sean-nós singer and social media influencer said: “Gaeilge is such an important part of my life and identity, and it continues to open doors for me in so many ways. It’s a real privilege to be here today celebrating the passion and energy Down students bring to the language.
“When I was in school, being part of the Gaelbhratach committee was an experience I’ll never forget. It gave us the confidence to take ownership of Irish and to make it part of our everyday lives in a fun and meaningful way. It’s fantastic to see that same spirit alive and growing stronger every year.”
Funding of £500 from scheme funders Gael Linn and Foras na Gaeilge supported the purchase of promotional resources throughout the year. The college also expressed thanks to the local Irish-language community, particularly Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail, and to Gaelbhratach officers Dean Sloan and Corey Hanna.
This year's Gaelbhratach motto, "Díograis agus Dúchas," meaning hardwork and heritage, was said to have captured the spirit of the initiative.
Also speaking at the presentation ceremony, Edel Ní Bhraonáin, Bainisteoir Gaelbhratach, said: “We are delighted to return to Mary Immaculate College for the third consecutive year to celebrate the achievements of post-primary schools involved in Gaelbhratach from Down. The continued growth of the programme is a testament to the enthusiasm, hard work and love of the language displayed by students and teachers alike.
“At the heart of Gaelbhratach is the student voice. Through their committees, students lead and shape the scheme within their schools, finding creative and meaningful ways to use Irish in their daily lives. This year’s record number of participating schools, including those from Down, along with the outstanding standard of work recognised through our special awards, shows just how impactful that approach can be.
“It is incredibly encouraging to see Irish being embraced in such a positive and authentic way by young people in Down and across the country. The feedback we receive highlights not only increased confidence in using the language, but also a genuine enjoyment in bringing it into everyday life.”
With these St Colman's College initiatives the future of Irish at the school looks brighter than ever.
