Teachtaí Dála and Seanadóirí in attendance to hear from students about the issues and outlooks facing young people with Irish today.
Students from all over the country gathered in Gaoth Dobhair today and yesterday to attend Ard Fheis na nÓg 2023. Over 100 pupils came from 20 different schools in Gaillimh, Sligeach, Baile Átha Cliath, Dún na nGall, Béal Feirste, Maigh Eo and Muineachán.
Speaking today, Paula Melvin, President of Conradh na Gaeilge commented:
“The Ard-Fheis is an opportunity for secondary school students to voice their opinions and to take part in national conversations. Those in attendance showed their ability to act as leaders and activists for the Irish language as they learn about language planning and answer questions about the future. The students were able to experience the approach of Conradh na Gaeilge’s Ard-Fheis and they had the opportunity to vote, debate and add their voices to discussions about the Irish language.
The aim of the event was to give the younger generation of the Gaeltacht and other young people with Irish the opportunity to discuss among themselves the issues that affect them. We are very grateful for the support of Údarás na Gaeltachta, Comhairle Contae Dhún na nGall and the TDs and Senators who were with us for Ard Fheis na nÓg 2023."
Dónall Ó Cnáimhsí, Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga said:
“We are very proud that Irish remains here as the main spoken language of the community. It is a valuable piece of our heritage here which was an inspiration for people such as Máire Ní Bhraonáin and Clannad, Mairead Ní Mhaonaigh, Altan and Enya, who are known all over the world. The Irish language has been passed down from generation to generation here over hundreds and thousands of years and it is our role to preserve it for the next generation. Ní neart go cur le chéile!”
Tá Ard Fheis na nÓg á reáchtáil ag Conradh na Gaeilge in éineacht le grúpaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta ó bhí 2019 ann. Bunaíodh an Ard Fheis le guth a thabhairt d’aos óg na Gaeltachta agus na Gaeilge, chomh maith lena spreagadh le páirt a ghlacadh sa chomhrá náisiúnta fá chúrsaí teanga. Tugann sé deis do dhaltaí scoile bualadh le chéile agus aithne a chur ar a chéile trí Ghaeilge, agus lonnaítear i gceantar Gaeltachta éagsúil é gach bliain.
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