Donegal students to be recognised for their grá of the Gaeilge

Students from two schools in Donegal 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 student committees in Donegal.

Donegal schools who will be awarded a Gaelbhratach are St Colmcille's National School, Glengad and St Aengus' National School, Bridgend.

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.

Speaking at a recent awards ceremony, Edel Ní Bhraonáin, Bainisteoir Gaelbhratach said:

“We are delighted to award primary school students from Donegal 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 student-led committee is to direct the Gaelbhratach activities throughout the school year - empowering students in Donegal 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.”

Gaelbhratach is an Irish language scheme focused on promoting Irish in primary and secondary schools around the country. Each year, Gaelbhratach organises the post-primary Gaelbhratach Awards Ceremony to celebrate the significant contributions made by teachers and students around the country towards the promotion of the Irish language in their schools.