Belfast City Lord Mayor, Cllr Ryan Murphy, amongst special guests for City Hall Reception on Monday 31st July 2023
Conradh na Gaeilge was founded on 31st July 1893. On Monday night, 31 July 2023, Conradh na Gaeilge and guests will convene at City Hall, Belfast to mark 130 years of the organisation.
Cuan Ó Seireadáin, Curator and Historian with Conradh na Gaeilge:
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to mark this very special occasion at Belfast City Hall. This pluralist cross-community Irish language revival organisation, was founded on O’Connell Street Dublin on this day 130 years ago and has left an immeasurable mark on society here as we know it. The organisation’s archives, along with long-running research, illustrate the decisive impact that Conradh na Gaeilge, the Gaelic League, it’s members and employees have had on Irish history and the development of the language, which was under existential pressure at the time of the organisation’s inception. We hope that all of our guests attending this celebration will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this inspirational organisation, as well as an invaluable insight into the organisation and it’s work today.”
Speaking ahead of the 130 Year Celebration, Paula Melvin, President of Conradh na Gaeilge, said:
“This milestone offers us the unique opportunity to take a step back and cast an eye to the history of Conradh na Gaeilge, to assess and remember all we have achieved, alongside the challenges we have faced, and those we have yet to overcome. We want to use this occasion to everyone who has supported us and stood with us down through the decades, especially to our branches and our members, our staff and our board members, and the community as a whole for supporting our efforts. We also remember those great activists, members and pioneers who have gone before us, many who kept the torch burning in their local communities, and many others who spearheaded the organisation and helped inspire us and our work, especially those who have passed in recent years. On days like these we also have the chance to look forward, to assess our vision for the future and to set out with renewed purpose our mission to promote and protect the Irish language across this island.”
The reception at Belfast City Hall will include song and music with renowned artists Piaras Ó Lorcáin, Bláithín Mhic Cana and Lauren Ní Néill and archival material will be on display throughout the night. Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Ryan Murphy, will address guests with a key-note speech and local actor Conor Torbóid will perform a short one-person performance on the history of the organisation. The City Hall will be illuminated green in recognition of the Conradh na Gaeilge contributions to the City and across Ireland.
The reception will be being at 7pm and spaces can be reserved by emailing
