Cumann Gaelach Chontae Laoise, a Laois based group dedicated to the encouragement of the Irish language, have announced some exciting events to take place in Portlaoise.

Conradh na Gaeilge, the national organisation which aims to promote the use of Irish as the standard language of Ireland, was recently re-established in Co. Laois with the formation of this new branch.

A 'Caife agus Comhrá' will take place on Saturday February 28, between 11am and 12.30pm in the Dunamise Arts' Centre.

This is the first Portlaoise event organised by Cumann Gaelach Chontae Laoise, with all welcome regardless of their level of Irish.

The second event on their agenda is a 'Oíche Sheolta,' which will start at 8pm on Friday March 6 in De Brúns @ Humes, Portlaoise.

This will feature a 'Tráth na gCeist' ( Table Quiz), with prizes, followed by a trad sessiún and pop-up Gaeltach. Once again, all levels of Irish are welcome, with volunteers eager to help those who wish to improve their Gaeilge.

The evening is expected to run until 11pm.

There is a €5 entry fee per person for the table quiz, with cash the only form accepted. There is a max group of four per table.

"Fáilte roimh chách/All welcome!" organisers said.

Conradh na Gaeilge currently has 170 branches across the country, and has seen a 400% growth in individual memberships over the past 3 years.

This branch is now run by voluntary officers, who are preparing a plan to further promote the use of spoken Irish in Laois.

Cumann Gaelach Chontae Laoise will have delegates at the Ard Fheis for Conradh na Gaeilge which takes place in Belfast from February 20 to 22 next. This means Laois will join in on a national decision-making level.

"Dubhghlas de hÍde (Douglas Hyde), who was one of the founders of Conradh na Gaeilge in 1893, was later the first President of Ireland," a representative said.

"This resonates with our current President, Catherine Connolly, who also prioritises speaking Gaeilge. In doing so she gives practical expression to a noble cause. Likewise, the new Co. Laois branch will promote the use of our native tongue here in The O’Moore County where once, fadó fadó, it held sway," the group said.

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Branch Cathaoirleach Siobhán Uí Chuinn welcomed Laois locals to join the activities as the running of their branch.  For more info on the upcoming events, click here.

For more news on the new cumann, click here.