New Irish language initiative launched in Maghera businesses

A new Irish language initiative promoting the use of Irish in everyday life titled Labhair Gaeilge Liom (Speak Irish to Me) was launched in local businesses in Maghera recently.

Joe Ó Dochartaigh, Language Planning Officer in An Carn, said: “According to the 2021 Census, 25% of people in Maghera and surrounding areas have a knowledge of Irish, ranging from a few words to fully fluent. We at An Carn would like to give more recognition to that 25% by giving everyone more opportunities to use their Irish. Labhair Gaeilge Liom will do this by promoting the daily use of Irish in local businesses around the town.

ABOVE: Eamair the Labhair Gaeilge Liom Ambassador and Gemma Siopa An Carn Manager.

“As part of Labhair Gaeilge Liom employees in local shops will have the opportunity to wearing a badge identifying them as fluent Irish speakers. Anyone can practice whatever level of Irish they have with them, whether that is a basic few words, intermediate conversation or fluent. What we’re seeing now is the very essence of language reinstatement, ordinary people going about their business and being able to do it through Irish. This is what Labhair Gaeilge Liom is all about, celebrating people and their language.”

As one of only five areas in the whole of Ireland with recognition as an Irish Language Network area, Carntogher is leading the way with many different projects, and the growth in the use of Irish in Maghera has been an undeniable success.

ABOVE: Owner Niall Kelly and Páidí the Labhair Gaeilge Liom ambassador for P&N Quality Meats.

An Carn is dedicated to the promotion of the Irish language in local communities, and this new initiative makes the promotion of the Irish language visible and the language itself accessible.

If you have a local business and are interested in participating please contact An Carn at 028 79549978 or joe.odoherty@ancarn.org.