Write a commentAn event to celebrate the completion of a course, developed by the local Irish Language Community Forum (Fóram an Dúin agus Oirialla), was held last Thursday 21 November in the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre.
The course, entitled ‘Certificate of Advanced Training in the Irish Language’, was the first of its organised for young Irish speakers in the district and brought together contributors from across the Irish language sector who provided specialist workshops to pupils studying Irish at AS or A2 levels.
Organisations involved with the Forum’s innovative course include Newry Mourne and Down District Council, Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund, Conradh na Gaeilge, Cumann na bhFiann, Gael Linn, Glór na nGael, Oireachtas na Gaeilge and Cinnteacht.
Twenty-three students from 8 schools the Newry, Mourne and Down area took part in the scheme this year: St Louis Grammar School, St Malachy’s High School, St Joseph’s High School, St Paul’s High School, Our Lady’s Grammar School, Sacred Heart Grammar School, Abbey Christian Brothers' Grammar School and St Colman’s College.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “This course is an incredible opportunity for young people to attain practical skills and receive official certification of their achievements. In addition, students will learn about the opportunities available in the Irish language sector that they may be able to take advantage of, once they leave school.
“The young people involved in this course have been able to learn from those steeped in the Irish language tradition and sector and who are leading the way for the wider Irish language community.
“We are certain that this experience will inspire the pupils to establish their own Irish language society, enabling them to enjoy their social life through Irish in their own area and to continue to develop their skillsets together.”
