Local woman elected youngest female president of Conradh na Gaeilge

HOLLYSTOWN native Paula Melvin was recently elected the youngest female president of Conradh na Gaeilge.

29-year-old Paula, who lives on a local Saler cattle farm, is also chairperson of her local branch of Conradh na Gaeilge, Pobal Gaeilge 15.

An international advocacy group for the Irish language founded in 1893 by Douglas Hyde, Conradh na Gaeilge held its annual Ard-Fheis in Galway over the last weekend in February.

It was there that they announced the election of their first woman President in nearly 30 years.

Paula Melvin being congratulated by President Michael D higgins at the Conradh na Gaelige Ard Fheis

“It is the honour of a lifetime to have been elected President of Conradh na Gaeilge,” Paula told Northside People.

“Amongst my main goals for the coming year I will be focusing on the National Housing Planning Policy for the Gaeltacht, to support and develop the campaign which aims to ensure Gaeltacht communities can continue to live in their own areas through their own language.”

Paula, who takes over from Dr Niall Comer as President following his five-year term, said she is up for the challenge that lies ahead.

“I will continue the longstanding campaign for language rights in the north, as well as building on the the newly amended Official Languages Act in the south,” she said.

“It is vital that we ensure all deadlines in implementing the amendments are fulfilled.

“Additionally, we will be working towards regular use of Irish in the European Union, following full status being granted to Irish in the European Union recently.

“We have plenty to do, and I am up for the challenge.

“During my tenure I plan on visiting as many local branches of Conradh na Gaeilge as possible.

“Local communities and branches have had an incredibly tough time throughout the pandemic.

“These branches are the heart and soul of the organisation and need continuous support.”