Seachtain na Gaeilge: Celebrating Irish Language

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is joining the international Irish Language Festival, from 1-17 March, Seachtain na Gaeilge. A range of events are planned across the district to celebrate and showcase the diversity of the Irish language, including a comedy show, treasure hunt, conversation circles, drama festival, art exhibition and a traditional music and dance event.

Speaking of the programme, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, said,

“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has organised and supported an extensive programme of events to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge, including talks, workshops and exhibitions, which will give residents and visitors alike an opportunity to experience the rich heritage and the Irish language in our district.

The Council is committed to cherishing and sustainably managing our built and cultural heritage and I am pleased the Council has provided support to community efforts to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia 2024 which will be showcased over the next few weeks.”

Seachtain an Gaeilge kicked off with Rith Spraoi, on Saturday 24 February at Omagh Parkrun. With a Pop Up Gaeltacht in Omagh Leisure Complex, parkrun participants were encouraged to use their cúpla focal after they have completed the run.

Throughout the month of March, the 3 Stories exhibition will be on display on the third floor of the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh. The exhibition will showcase the art created by Kikki Ghezzi who was inspired by the stories in Sgéalta Mhuintir Luinigh, a collection of Irish language folktales collected in the Monterlunney area during the 1930s. Kikki’s artwork is also featured in the recently published 3 Stories from the Mid Tyrone Gaeltacht by Dr Peader Mac Gabhann which is currently on sale at the Strule Arts Centre. The exhibition will open with a Pop-Up Gaeltacht from 4-6pm on Friday 1 March.

At Enniskillen Castle, try your hand at the Townlands Trail. While browsing through collections, learn more about local townlands, a term exclusive to Ireland defining its smallest officially recognised unit of territory. There are nearly 3,000 townlands in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area.

Trillick Arts and Culture Society will host a workshop, called Amhrán i nGaeilge (Irish Language Songs), with singer Helen Diamond from Oideas Gael, on Wednesday 6 March from 7.30-9pm in Trillick Arts and Culture Centre.

On Saturday 9 March Fermanagh and Omagh District Council will team up with Enniskillen Parkrun for Rith Spraoi. Starting at 9.30am from the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, run or walk 5km and after you get your breath back, visit the Pop-Up Gaeltacht.

Get your dancing shoes on with Céilí na gClann hosted by Gaelscoil na gCrann, Omagh on Tuesday 12 March at 6.30-7.30pm.

On Wednesday 13 March, Féile na hÓmaí host an Irish Language drama festival for primary and post-primary schools both Irish medium and English medium. It takes place in the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh from 9.30-2.30pm.

Also on Wednesday 13 March, Sruth na hÉirne will host an Chruinniú in Fermanagh House from 10.30-1pm. This will be a bilingual discussion between pupils from St Michael’s College, Enniskillen, and the Conradh na Gaeilge branch on Irish language and its local history.

Later, in early evening of Wednesday 13 March from 6-7.30pm, in Newtownbutler, everyone will be out and about on a Tóraíocht Taisce (treasure hunt) starting at Newtownbutler Community Centre. This will be a great way to pick up some Irish words and phrases as well as prizes!

On Thursday 14 March, head to Fr Matt Hall in Trillick for the Oíche Ghaelach planned by Trillick St Macartan’s GAC. From 7-9pm there will be traditional music and dancing.

Bunscoil and Traonaigh (Lisnaskea) will showcase a video on their Facebook page of their pupil’s singing in Irish to residents of local care homes on Friday 15 March.

Get your green glad rags on for the Dioscó Gaelach in Newtownbutler Community Centre on Friday 15 March. From 6.30-7.45pm, there will be Irish music and activities organised by Newtownbutler CCÉ.

CCÉ Tearmainn Mhic Oirc will host a celebration of the Irish Language, through music and song, on Friday 15 March from 7-10pm in Loughmacrory club rooms.

Also on Friday 15 March, practice your cúpla focal at the Ciorcal Comhrá held by CLG Mhic Uidhir, An t-Iompú Deiseal in the Nally Stand, Tempo from 8-9.30pm.

On Saturday 16 March from 10am-1pm, enjoy tea and coffee in Páirc Cholmcille Clubrooms, Carrickmore with the Ciorcal Comhrá organised by An Charraig Mhór Naomh Colmcille CLG.

Finish off Seachtain na Gaeilge on Saturday 16 March with a cross community comedy show hosted by CLG Bearach An Chraobh Rua in The Corner Bar, Beragh. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm. Everyone is welcome and why not practise your Irish when ordering refreshments? Tickets are available on the Beragh Red Knights’ Facebook page.