FINGAL County Council has launched an exciting programme of events to celebrate an Irish language festival.
Seachtain na Gaeilge runs from March 1-17 with its motto encouraging everyone to use whatever Irish they have – Bain Triail Aisti.
Council events are taking place at County Hall Swords, local libraries and the Seamus Ennis Centre while many other events are being organised by Irish language groups throughout the county.
The Seachtain na Gaeilge i bhFine Gall programme, compiled in conjunction with the council’s Coiste na Gaeilge, is available at www.Fingal.ie. Events include:
On Tuesday, March 6 at the Atrium County Hall Swords, there will be Ceol, Craic and Gaeilge with musicians Sean McElwain, Bernadette Nic Gabhann and Eamonn Galldubh from 7pm to 9pm.
This event will welcome Irish language enthusiasts from the county to join Fingal staff at this very popular annual event. Participation is encouraged so if you have a song you’d like to share, here’s your chance.
A film entitled ‘Camino Voyage’ will be shown at the Seamus Ennis Centre, Naul on Thursday, March 7 at 8.30pm.
This visually stunning film, featuring music and singing, follows the inspiring 2,500km journey from Ireland to Northern Spain in a traditional boat and stars Glen Hansard, Brendan Begley, Liam Holden, Brendan-Pháid Moriarty and Danny Sheehy.
The stunning chapel in Swords Castle will be the setting for a Lón le Gaeilge on Tuesday, March 12 from 1pm.
Events in local libraries include music by Antaine Ó Faracháin and Nollaig Mac Cárthaigh in Blanchardstown on March 13 and Balbriggan on March 14 at 6.30pm.
Manchán Magan will talk about his travel experiences in Malahide Library on March 8 from 2pm-3pm.
Sadhbh Devlin will read her story Bí ag Spraoi Liom in four libraries and Ballet Poulet will perform in Blanchardstown on March 14.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor Fingal Cllr Anthony Lavin said: “This varied programme of events has something to attract people of all ages and abilities and gives people a chance to engage with the language in a fun way.”
Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid said: “Our continued participation in and support for Seachtain na Gaeilge reflects Fingal County Council’s commitment to supporting the promotion of the Irish language within the council and the county.”
