How to Set Up a Branch

The branch is the foundation block on which Conradh na Gaeilge is built. Since the organisation was founded in 1893, the Conradh's branches have been promotinging the Irish language, not only in Ireland, but also around the world.

It is easy to set up a branch. All you need is a small group of people to come together, with the shared desire to promote Irish, then set up a committee and register with Conradh na Gaeilge's Ard-Oifig.

Set Up a Branch Today

Role of the Branch

The practical goal that a branch of Conradh na Gaeilge has is to promote the Irish language in that branch's locality.

Branches are involved in various activities that provide people with a chance to speak, practice and learn Irish. As well as working locally, branches are also active in national campaigns of the organistion. Each branch has a role in ensuring that the policies of the organistion are achieved.

With that goal in mind, representatives from branches attend the Ard-Fheis each year. They have the opportunity to express the opinions of the branch, fully participate in debates and in the work of the organisation. Every branch has voting rights in the various elections which take place at the Ard-Fheis, which gives a voice to every branch of Conradh na Gaeilge.

Role of the Organisation

Every branch is welcome to submit news items to our monthly newsletter so that all of Conradh na Gaeilge's members all over the world are aware of the branch's activities.

Every branch can use Conradh na Gaeilge's public collection permit to raise monies for the branch and local activities they are involved in, and other campaigns of the Conradh.

Every branch can forward their details to Glór na nGael when they register with Conradh na Gaeilge. More infromation at www.glornangael.ie.

Participation and Attendance of branches at the Ard-Fheis will be facilitated.

Conradh na Gaeilge will provide support to branches in organising events, with insurance, finance agus eile.

1. Gather the Branch Committee

2. Register the Branch

3. Organise Events as a Branch

Organising Events as a Branch

The main aim of any events organised is to promote the Irish language in a fun way, especially in terms of speaking the language, but is worth also encouraging reading and writing in Irish where possible. Every step of planning and organisation should be done in Irish (or bilingually, depending on each event - for instance, where you are organising an event in partnership with another group).

Have a team
Share the work
Set deadlines

Seek help from people, start out with small doable events, and as your experience grows, continue to bigger events. Not every event can be done by every branch, but big things can be achieved with work.

There are a few ideas below, and the Guide book for Cumainn Gaelacha and Irish language groups at third level can also be downloaded here.

Smaller Events

Conversation Circle

A venue with seats, somewhere to make tea and coffee, get biscuits and milk, publish the event,. Play Irish music for the duration of the conversation circle and do it regularly in the same venue.

Table Quiz

Pens, paper, a whiteboard, marking sheets, correctors for the rounds, 7-8 rounds of 8-10 questions.

You could do one round about the Irish language, music rounds and picture rounds, prizes, etc.

Guest Speaker

Find a famous, interesting or local person who can speak on a particular subject, organise a venue, some refreshments and a thank you gift for the speaker.

Irish Language Classes

Welcome newcomers to Ireland, or people who don't have any Irish at all, to meet with branch members or university/secondary students with Irish to teach Irish to them. Prepare a page with basic phrases and phonetics for the learners.

Give participants a chance to practice at the end, and you could even ask participants to teach their language to the Gaeil as well!

Céilí

You will need a venue for this, live music if possible, or a phone and a sound system. Some leaders should know the dance, and choose a fear/bean an tí who will encourage people to dance.

Pop Up Gaeltacht

Host a Pop Up Gaeltacht in your favourite café, restaurant or pub. You can find resources and advice on hosting a Pop Up Gaeltacht here

Bigger Events

Seachtain na Gaeilge

This is the first two weeks of March, but you can choose a week that suits your area in terms of the community calendar. Loads of events are organised for this week, and an effort is made for the language to be visible and exciting during this period. The Seachtain na Gaeilge office provides lots of supports for branches during this week for branches seeking to organise an event as part of the festival. More information: www.snag.ie

Irish Language Ball/Gala

A formal event for Irish speakers. Organise it in a hotel, with food and drink and a band or DJ after. You can host afters in a pub/nightclub thereafter. Posters and tickets should be done, as well as making an effort for the menu to be in irish. You can award annual prizes at the event, for the best local business or group in terms of Irish perhaps.

Sports Day

You can organise a sports day between different Irish language groups in the area, a football or soccer match between different groups.

Choose a referee with Irish, and only allow Irish on the playing field, with penalty kicks for use of English. Don't forget to consider health and safety of the games. You could even create a league of games.

Oireachtas na Samhna

Organise a trip to Oireachtas na Samhna for the branch. Encourage members to take part in the competitions, and take part in the students' night or debate. More information: www.antoireachtas.ie

Fundraising

You can get a Garda Collection Permit through the Conradh, create a link with a charity (maybe a local gaelscoil, or a campaign for the Irish language in your area), get t-shirts, and organise collection points, and perhaps breakfast for the collectors. - Choose team leaders to direct others, and organise events for after the fundraising day, for example a night out, or live music.

Campaigns as a Branch

Gaelscolaíocht

Is there a lack of Irish-language education options in your area? Your branch can be the catalyst for lasting change, and a new generation of Irish speakers.

Bilingual Signage

Would your branch like to see more bilingual or Irish language signs in your area? Involve the entire community in making your area reflect you.

Oifigeach Gaeilge ar Chomhairle Áitiúil

Would your branch like to see Irish-language representation on local councils? Campaign for an Irish language officer on your council, representing you.

Campaigns

Contact

If you have a question about setting up a branch, or any other question relating to membership, please contact Caoimhe Ní Mhaolaí, our Membership and Education Executive.

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Guthán: +353 (0) 1 475 7844

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