School students from 19 Gaelcholáistí and Gaeltacht Schools meet to discuss social and national challenges facing young Irish language speakers today.
School students from all over the country gathered in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh, Ciarraí over three days to attend Ard-Fheis na nÓg 2024. Over 150 pupils came from 19 different schools in Dún na nGall, Gaillimh, Baile Átha Cliath, Ceatharlach, Corcaigh, Luimneach, Maigh Eo, Cill Chainnigh, Port Láirge and Ciarraí.
Speaking about the event, Róisín Ní Chinnéide, Conradh na Gaeilge, said:
“Ard-Fheis na nÓg is the only event of this kind that brings together senior-cycle students from the Gaeltacht and from Gaelcholáistí across the country in a different Gaeltacht area each year. We are delighted to have presentations, workshops, talks and social events taking place here in Corca Dhuibhne at this year’s Ard-Fheis. Over the course of three days, students have had the opportunity to come together and discuss important themes, issues and challenges relevant to themselves, and tackle some of the big questions facing us today, - with great passion and capability.
We’d like to thank Tobar Dhuibhne, Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne and Coláistí Chorca Dhuibhne for the co-operation and for welcoming us to Baile an Fheirtéaraigh this year. We’d like to thank Údarás na Gaeltachta, Comhairle Contae Chiarraí, Ealaín na Gaeltachta, and the Department of the Gaeltacht for their support.”
John Prendergast, Language Planning Officer with Tobar Dhuibhne, said:
“As Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga in Ciarraí Thiar with Tobar Dhuibhne, I’m happy to give a warm welcome Ard-Fheis na nÓg to Corca Dhuibhne this year. It's a great opportunity for school students from Gaeltacht areas and Gaelcholáistí across Ireland to come together, meet new people and have fun through the medium of Irish. Those here at Ard-Fheis na nÓg are the future of the Irish language, they are the next generation, and together at events like this, we will make sure that the status and use of Irish will grow year after year.”
Darragh Ó Caoimh, MC for Ard-Fheis na nÓg:
“I was incredibly impressed by the presentations that students gave today, and the Ard-Fheis certainly raised the spirits of students and teachers both here in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh. The students displayed fantastic energy and creativity, and for that they are to be commended.”
Conradh na Gaeilge have organised Ard-Fheis na nÓg annually since 2019 alongside Irish language and Gaeltacht groups around the country. Ard-Fheis na nÓg was founded to give a voice to young Irish speakers and to encourage them to take part in national conversations regarding the Irish language. Students are given the opportunity to meet and get to know new people through Irish, and is set in a different Gaeltacht area every year.
