Housing, Education and 2024 Elections on the agenda as motions and debates get underway
Máirín Ní Ghadhra, renowned RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta host and TG4 presenter, has been named as the 2024 recipient of the Conradh na Gaeilge Gradam an Uachtaráin (President’s Award). The award was announced as part of the Conradh na Gaeilge Ard-Fheis that took place 23-25 February 2024 at the Carlton Hotel, Baile Bhlainséir, Baile Átha Cliath. Gradam an Uachtaráin is an annual award, presented each year to a member of the Irish language or Gaeltacht community who makes a tremendous impact on the Irish language.
The 2024 Ard-Fheis got underway with the Taoiseach’s Address, given on his behalf by the Minister of State, Jack Chambers, TD, along with a panel discussion and other speeches. On Saturday, 24 February, motions were debated and Conradh na Gaeilge Uachtarán and Coiste Gnó were elected for the year ahead.
TAOISEACH’S ADDRESS
Minister of State Jack Chambers TD gave the Taoiseach’s Address on behalf of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Friday 23 February 2024, as part of Ard-Fheis proceedings. This was followed by a panel discussion with representatives from political parties. ‘I dTreo Toghchán: Éilimh Phobal na Gaeilge & na Gaeltachta’ was the theme of the Ard-Fheis panel.
GRADAM OIBRÍ DEONACH NÁISIÚNTA
Breandán Ó Cathasaigh, a previous Chairperson of the youth organisation Ógras, was presented with Gradam Oibrí Deonach Náisiúnta (National Voluntary Worker’s Award). Paula Melvin, President of Conradh na Gaeilge, presented both awards on the Saturday of #AFCnaG, 21:00.
Speaking today, Paula Melvin, President of Conradh na Gaeilge, commented:
“It is an honour, both for myself and for Conradh na Gaeilge, to present Máirín Ní Ghadhra with the President's Award, Gradam an Uachtaráin, at the 2024 Ard-Fheis. Máirín has put her heart into journalism and into the Irish language for years, and we are delighted to give recognition to all the work she has done. Máirín has long been a friend of Conradh na Gaeilge and has shared her time, her talent and her energy generously always. For that, we are extremely grateful and I can gladly say there is no one I would rather present with this special award this year than Máirín. We had a busy and exciting weekend at the Ard-Fheis and I wish to take this opportunity to offer a huge thanks to all of our members and branches for their work and support throughout the year.”
Máirín Ní Ghadhra, recipient of Gradam an Uachtaráin, said:
“Tá mé thar a bheith buíoch as an aitheantas a thugann an gradam seo dom, cé go ndéarfainn féin nach ndearna mé aon rud ar leith riamh seachas mo theanga dhúchais a labhairt agus an oiread de mo shaol agus ab fhéidir a reáchtáil tré mheán na teanga sin. Tá an t-ádh dearg orm gur rugadh agus gur tógadh sa nGaeltacht mé agus go bhfuair mé deis mo chlann féin a thógáil ina croílár. Sin deis a ba cheart, ar ndóigh, a bheith ag 'chuile dhuine beo sa tír seo.”
Gradam an Uachtaráin and Gradaim Oibrí Deonach Náisiúnta na bliana was awarded at 9pm on Saturday 24 February 2024 as part of the Conradh na Gaeilge Ard-Fheis.
The full programme for the Ard-Fheis, including motions, reports and agenda, can be accessed in full here.
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