Students recognised for their work with the Irish language on campuses across Ireland
Tonight, 11 April 2024, the Gníomhaí Gaeilge awards ceremony took place, recognising the work and achievements of third level students for the Irish language on campuses across Ireland. The ceremony was held in the Mansion House, Dublin, with Lord-Mayor Daithí de Róiste presenting the awards.
Gníomhaí Gaeilge is a mentoring, training and awards scheme founded in 2021. Participants were assessed for their work with the Irish language and were presented with a Gold Award, Silver Award, Individual Award or Certificate of Participation for their efforts.
Student Unions and Irish Language Societies received a total of 21 awards for their work on campuses across Ireland, and 35 awards were presented to individual students for their personal achievements in Irish language activism.
President of Conradh na Gaeilge, Paula Melvin, commented:
“A tremendous year of activism and achievement came to an end for students and third level groups in the Mansion House. I am extremely proud of the work we continue to undertake at third level with young people and I am thrilled with the progress of Gníomhaí Gaeilge this year. Gníomhaí Gaeilge has empowered students to use and to support the Irish language in new and exciting ways.
We are grateful to the former Minister for Further and Higher Education, and now Taoiseach, Simon Harris, and to the Higher Education Authority for their continued support. As well as this, I’d like to thank the Lord-Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste for all he has done for Gníomhaí Gaeilge here tonight.”
Lord-Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste, said:
“I am delighted to be here tonight at this special ceremony for the Gníomhaí Gaeilge awards. It’s fantastic to see so much passion and energy from young people here for the Irish language. They have shown amazing dedication in the amount that they have done on campuses across Ireland over the past year and I’d like to take this opportunity to commend them highly for their work.”
Gníomhaí Gaeilge is in its third year and is facilitated by Conradh na Gaeilge with support from USI and the Higher Education Authority. Gníomhaí Gaeilge was founded to connect third level students with mentors to support them in their work for the Irish language, and to encourage students through a recognition and awards scheme.
Registration for Gníomhaí Gaeilge is now open for the 2024/25 academic year at cnag.ie/gg. Individuals, societies, student unions and other groups within third level institutions can register for the scheme. Participation is welcome in Irish and in English. Registration will close on the 7th of May 2024.
