Gníomhaí Gaeilge is a mentoring, training and awards scheme for student's involved with the Irish Language at third level and for those who would like to use Irish more often.

This scheme is coordinated by Conradh na Gaeilge and The Union of Student's in Ireland and sponsored by The Higher Education Authority. The scheme is being supported by the Higher Education Authority through funding totalling €150,000 over three years.

Register now for the 2024/25 academic year:

Registration Form - Students (Irish)

Registration Form - Students (English)

Registration Form - Mentors

Registration will close Tuesday the 7th of May 2024.

IEDT Dhún Laoighaire (IADT)
Ollscoil Luimnigh (UL)
Coláiste na Tríonóide (TCD)
Coláiste Ríoga na Máinleá in Éirinn (RCSI)
Ollscoil na Gaillimhe (UG)
Ollscoil na Banríona (QUB)
Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh (UCC)
Coláiste na hOllscoile Baile Átha Cliath (UCD)

Gníomhaí Gaeilge

Why should I take part in Gníomhaí Gaeilge?

There are many reasons to take part in Gníomhaí Gaeilge but this is what the participants and the mentors had to say at the 2023 Award Ceremony.

Why should I take part in Gníomhaí Gaeilge?

FAQs

What is Gníomhaí Gaeilge?

Gníomhaí Gaeilge is a mentoring, training and awards scheme students involved with the Irish language at third level.

Who can register for Gníomhaí Gaeilge?

Anyone attending third level can apply to take part in Gníomhaí Gaeilge.

What categories are there?

There are three different awards: Individual Award / Irish Language Society and Other Groups / Student's Union.

See below a description of each award. You can apply for more than one award for example you are the President of the Student's Union - you can apply for the Individual Award and The Student's Union Award.

Individual award

For this award you will be focusing on your personal goals relating to the Irish Language. These goals can involve work for the Irish Language Society or Student's Union.

Irish Language Society and Other Groups

This award gives recognition to the Irish Language Society and other groups. Usually the chairperson is the representative for the society. However you can apply for this award if the chairperson is not taking part in Gníomhaí Gaeilge and you have agreed with your committee that you will be the representative.

Student's Union

This award gives recognition to the Student's Union. Usually the Irish Officer or the Union President is the representative for the Union. However, you can apply for this award if your Union does not already have a representative and you have agreed with the other Union members that you will be the representative for the Student's Union.

When will the scheme commence?

Gníomhaí Gaeilge 23/24 is currently underway but see below the timeline for the 24/25 academic year.

The registeration for the 24/25 academic year will open in April 2024. Participants will be chosen in June 2024 and they will be provided with their mentor at this time. The work will begin in August / September 2024.

What kind of things will I have to do?

Those participating in an Gníomhaí Gaeilge will be required to attend training, meet with their mentors, work on behalf of the language on campus and work towards predetermined goals throughout the year.

How does mentoring work?

A mentor will be assigned to each student who will assist the student in their work throughout the year.

The mentor may have attended the same college, been in the same role in previous years, have experience from their work that is in line with the student's goals or have some other value that will enhance the student's work.

The mentor will be available to the students when they need advice or help, and they will be meet 4 times throughout the year to discuss plans and report progress.

What is involved with the assessment?

A representitive from Conradh na Gaeilge or USI will sit in on the final meeting between the student and the mentor. They alongside the mentor will make a decision on what awards the individual / group will receive.

What awards are available?

Groups can receive a Gold Award, a Silver Award or a Certificate of Participation

An individual can receive the Individual Award or a Certificate of Participation.

What kind of training will participants undertake?

There will be online workshops throughout the year. See below a list of this year's workshops as an example...

The first steps towards events / campaigns in Irish and a Cumann Gaelach
How to design effective posters and graphics
Social media tips
Discussion Panel: Irish in the Students' Union and the role of the full time Irish Officer.
Raidió Rírá Workshop
Tips for career life as Gaeilge

Ceisteanna coitianta

Gníomhaí Gaeilge 23/24

73 individuals and 33 groups took part in the Gníomhaí Gaeilge scheme in the 23/24 academic year.

On the 11th of April an award ceremony was held in The Mansion House Dublin. 35 individuals and 21 groups were presented with awards and certificates. These awards were presented to the students by The Lord Mayor of Dublin Dáithí de Róiste, Paula Melvin - Uachtarán Chonradh na Gaeilge, Bláithín Nic a tSithigh from USI and Richard Brophy from The Higher Education Access Authority.

11 groups received the Silver Award and 10 groups received the Gold Award.

MSU - Mentor: John Ó Liodán
An Cumann Gaelach UCD - Mentor Edel Ní Bhraonáin
An Cumann Gaelach - Marino
Cumann Gaelach DCU
Lord Mayor of Dublin Dáithí de Róiste
Alex Balfe - MU (Mentor: John Ó Liodáin)
Mentor Aodhán Ó Deá with Gníomhaí Gaeilge Coordinator Chloe Ní Ruairc
Lord Mayor of Dublin Dáithí de Róiste, Richard Brophy - HEA, Paula Melvin - Uachtarán Chonradh na Gaeilge
STACSSU - (Mentor: Aoife Ní Dheisigh)
Guest speaker - Darragh Ó Caoimh
Mentor Edel Ní Bhraonáin with Gníomhaí Gaeilge Coordinator Chloe Ní Ruairc
Mentor Eímear Nig Oireachtaigh with Gníomhaí Gaeilge Coordinator Chloe Ní Ruairc
Mentor Julian de Spáinn with Gníomhaí Gaeilge Coordinator Chloe Ní Ruairc
Mentor Lucy Nic Aindris with Gníomhaí Gaeilge Coordinator Chloe Ní Ruairc
Mark Ó Corcráin - MU (Mentor: Chloe Ní Ruairc)
MISU
MTUSU
An Cumann Gaelach MTU
Oisin Gahan - MTU
CMLOG - (Mentor: Julian de Spáinn)
An Cumann Gaelach - OL
Cuallacht Cholmcille - MU (Mentor: Lucy Nic Aindris)
An Cumann Gaelach - TUD
Mentor Pádraig Ó Foghlú with Gníomhaí Gaeilge Coordinator Chloe Ní Ruairc
An Cumann Gaelach - QUB
Rachael Ní Shearcaigh - MTU
An Chuallacht - UCC (Mentor: Darragh Ó Caoimh)
TCDSU
Síomha Ní Ruairc
IrishSoc - RSCI
Roddie Mac Aonghusa - MU (Mentor: John Ó Liodán)