The number of young people being educated through Irish has passed 7,000 for the first time. Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (CnaG) said new figures highlighted the significant growth that the Irish-medium sector was experiencing. The council said local committees and activists deserved huge praise for their commitment to ensuring Irish-medium education was available in every county in the north.
Fifty years after the establishment of the first bunscoil, CnaG said demand was higher than ever and would increase further.
It said one of the most recent success stories was that of Gaelscoil Aodha Rua in Dungannon. Founded in 2011 with just 12 pupils and two staff, it now provides Irish-language education to 143 children and employs almost 20 people. Principal Móna Uí Dhochartaigh said the school was at the heart of a vibrant revival of all aspects of Gaelic culture in the area. "The cornerstone of our school is the partnerships formed with the local GAA clubs, both hurling and football, the local branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and indeed with the other Gaelscoileanna in the Mid-Ulster area," she said.
"Our pupils are immersed in the Irish language, in Gaelic sports, in traditional Irish music and song and we encourage them to develop all their individual talents. This culturally rich ethos is embodied in our school motto which states that Irish-medium education provides `a precious link with our heritage and a valuable asset for our future'."
Fifty years after the establishment of the first bunscoil, CnaG said demand was higher than ever and would increase further.
It said one of the most recent success stories was that of Gaelscoil Aodha Rua in Dungannon. Founded in 2011 with just 12 pupils and two staff, it now provides Irish-language education to 143 children and employs almost 20 people. Principal Móna Uí Dhochartaigh said the school was at the heart of a vibrant revival of all aspects of Gaelic culture in the area. "The cornerstone of our school is the partnerships formed with the local GAA clubs, both hurling and football, the local branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and indeed with the other Gaelscoileanna in the Mid-Ulster area," she said.
"Our pupils are immersed in the Irish language, in Gaelic sports, in traditional Irish music and song and we encourage them to develop all their individual talents. This culturally rich ethos is embodied in our school motto which states that Irish-medium education provides `a precious link with our heritage and a valuable asset for our future'."
