Widespread appeal made to New York Irish-American community to support grassroots Irish language youth facility capital funding shortfall
Glór na Móna is a local branch of Conradh na Gaeilge located in the Whiterock area. The current center, Gael-Ionad Mhic Goill, has achieved national and international recognition as an innovative community hub for grassroots language regeneration and youth work through the medium of Irish. It has become an essential component of the growing Irish language infrastructure across the city.
The Gael-Ionad has facilitated significant growth and expansion in the delivery of Glór na Móna’s community projects. As a result of this development, increasing demand has been expressed for the implementation of a second capital proposal and extension of the Gael-Ionad. This aims to build upon and develop the organization’s ambitious vision on a derelict piece of land owned by the Council, adjacent to the current Gael-Ionad.
You can support the capital project Croí na Carraige here: GoFundMe
To purchase tickets, see Eventbrite link for NY Fundraiser: here
Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin, President, has said:
“I’m delighted to be in New York this week as President of Conradh na Gaeilge for a series of engagements and meetings, and to support our local branch, Glór na Móna, in their international fundraising campaign for the flagship Croí na Carraige project. This fundraising initiative is taking place in the absence of a comprehensive Irish language strategy for nearly 20 years, and in the face of ongoing failure by government departments to fulfil their basic obligations under the Good Friday Agreement.”
“Glór na Móna is at the forefront of community-led change in West Belfast. It is an award-winning, internationally recognised organisation, rooted in youth empowerment, language revival, and grassroots activism. Their work has transformed lives by mainstreaming the Irish language and addressing the structural challenges facing our communities. The Croí na Carraige project is a landmark initiative in the north of Ireland, a purpose-built space that will serve as a hub for youth, community, and grassroots activism. While over £1 million has already been secured, we are calling on the support of the Irish American community to help close the gap.”
“We’re proud to bring this campaign to New York with a special event at Rosie O’Grady’s on June 5th. This is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with a movement delivering real, lasting change. We’re honoured to be joined by West Belfast MP Paul Maskey, renowned broadcaster and musician Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, and Brooklyn musician and Conradh na Gaeilge member Chris Byrne for what promises to be an inspiring night of music, culture, and community support. We believe this fundraising campaign for Croí na Carraige can be the beginning of a fruitful long-term engagement for the Irish language community in north America in the time ahead.”
