IN PICTURES: Laois Irish language school hosts 'pop up Gaeltacht'

The only Irish speaking Laois secondary school in Laois created a 'pop-up Gaeltacht' bringing the cúpla focail to schools and businesses across the county.

Dunamase College/Coláiste Dhún Másc went above and beyond for Seachtain na Gaeilge, Irish language week.

See more below photos. 

"The Irish language is very important to us as a school especially with our Aonad Lán Gaeilge. This year our students took to the local community to spread their love of the Irish language.

"Coláiste Dhún Másc held a PopUp Gaeltacht on March 15. We welcomed people to the school to celebrate the Irish culture and language. There was music, chats with students and teachers and a céilí where
teachers, students and visitors all took part. It was a very enjoyable event and a relaxed atmosphere where people got to use the Irish they had. Thank you to everyone who joined us on the day.

All week long they held fun Irish speaking events.

"We are very thankful to local primary schools Gaelscoil Phortlaoise, Barnashrone National School and Scoil Mhuire Fatima, Timahoe for welcoming some of our students and teachers to their schools to do céilí dancing with some of their classes. The students are already very excited to do it all again next year. Hopefully it will become a yearly tradition for Seachtain na Gaeilge.

"Our newly founded Cumann Gaelach were very busy visiting local businesses in the weeks leading up to Seachtain na Gaeilge to spread the news of our PopUp Gaeltacht. They also helped some local businesses to learn some Gaeilge and use their cúpla focal.

"They held a Ciorcal Cainte at Portlaoise Library and thoroughly enjoyed speaking and meeting with locals, promoting Irish with their phrase sheets and bookmarks.

"All students were invited to Dunamaise Theatre to see the Oscar nominated film An Cailín Ciúin and enjoyed the morning immensely. There were plenty of quizzes and competitions running throughout Seachtain na Gaeilge in all
Irish classes. Two Gaeltacht Scholarships were also on offer this year for Junior and Senior students.

“Beatha teanga í a labhairt”.

"From everyone in the Cumann Gaelach - Thank you and we are looking forward to plenty more Irish events in the future," Coláiste Dhún Másc said.