Longford pupils recognised for their grá of Gaeilge

Pupils from St Columba’s Mixed National School, Longford are to be presented with a Gaelbhratach (Irish flag) in the coming weeks.

Various activities to promote the use of the Irish language were set up and run by the pupil committee in St Columba’s NS.

Run by Gael Linn, ‘Gaelbhratach' is a national initiative that encourages primary and secondary school students to speak Irish outside of the formal classroom setting.

In total, 72 flags will be awarded to primary school students across Ireland - the most awarded in any one year.

Flags are awarded in recognition of their efforts to inspire and empower their school communities to speak Irish.

Edel Ní Bhraonáin, Bainisteoir Gaelbhratach said: “We are delighted to award primary school pupils from Longford with a Gaelbhratach.

“Gaelbhratach gives young people of all backgrounds the opportunity to use and develop their Irish language skills in an interactive and non-traditional way.

“The programme aims to put the student voice at the centre of their learning through the Gaelbhratach committee. The role of this pupil-led committee is to direct the Gaelbhratach activities throughout the school year - empowering students in Longford to take ownership of how and when they use their Irish.

“We have new schools hoping to join the scheme each year and it is inspiring to see young people’s passion for the language. The most rewarding part of the scheme is hearing feedback, from students and teachers alike, on how they have integrated the language into their everyday lives and the impact it has had.”

Further information about the Gaelbhratach scheme is available from gaelbhratach.ie