Newsletter: Spring 2024
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Saturdays and Sundays, February 17-18 & 24-25, 2024
Bígí Linn! We are thrilled to extend a warm invitation to you from Gaeltacht an Oileáin Úir, our Irish-speaking community, to join our captivating spring immersion series, Féile an tSneachta. This event takes place virtually - join us from anywhere!
Language Classes:
Immerse yourself in the Irish language with classes tailored to different proficiency levels, accommodating everyone from complete beginners to fluent speakers. We strive for a comfortable, positive atmosphere in and out of class so you are at your ease when practicing and speaking.
Workshops:
“The History of Brigid” with Sorcha
Social event
Happy Hours
Registration:
Join us for Féile an tSneachta 2024 and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Irish language and culture. Website members will receive a discount code shortly. Reserve your spot today and become part of this extraordinary experience. Bígí linn!
Do you speak Irish and would like to teach with us? We are always in need of help! Contact us today.
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We are thrilled as ever to be able to open our Learner of the Year competition, open to Canadian residents, with the winner having the chance to be sent to a Gaeltacht community in Ireland for immersive learning. We would once again like to thank the Ireland Canada University Foundation for providing us the means to run this competition within our community.
To be eligible for this award, you must live in Canada, be an active member of the Gaeltacht and its community (eg. in the online events, a member of a working group, or attending the site), and be actively learning the Irish language (participating in courses, attending Irish language events, etc.). As this scholarship opportunity is intended to take learners to the next speaking level, it is not open to fluent or native speakers. We grade applicants based on how much we feel this opportunity will benefit their learning, and how it will enable them to contribute to our community.
At the bottom of this email you will find attached a brief application form, which will be due by Saturday February 24th by 11:59 PM EST. Following the review of the applications, only those selected for interviews will be contacted for virtual meetings held on Saturday The 2nd of March. New this year - we are happy to extend free summer immersion attendance at our Gaeltacht site to the second- and third-place applicants:
The course option is outlined below (the higher-level 4-week option is no longer offered by NUI Galway). The cost of flights to Ireland is not included, but the course and accommodations are.
Three-week immersion course: 31st May – 21st June 2024 (ICUF award of €1,910, covering tuition, shared accommodation and full board): This course is tailored to the requirements of Canadian scholars and there are 12 ECT credits awarded on successful completion of the course.
If you are interested please fill out the form at the link below without delay and send us your submission by clicking the "submit" button at the bottom.
Apply here: https://forms.gle/aS8hovukvJa4qfsr8
Good luck!
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First Sunday of each month, 7pm
February 4
March 3
April 7
You are most welcome to our once-a-month, standing meeting for our working groups and volunteers (and those thinking of volunteering). Objectives are discussed as are the tasks that we need help with. These virtual sessions will foster collaboration, inspire innovative ideas, and strengthen your connections with fellow volunteers. Together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes and make a lasting impact on our organization and the community we serve.
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August 12-17, 2024
We are pleased to confirm the date for our summer immersion course. Registration will open in March. Please contact us if you do not wish to camp and need help finding local accommodations.
Do you speak Irish and would like to teach with us? We are always in need of help! Contact us today.
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We're thrilled with the support shown to our annual membership program at Gaeltacht an Oileáin Úir, and our new learning website. Our goal is to seamlessly connect language and culture, enabling learners to explore topics that genuinely captivate their interest. Your membership directly supports our efforts to promote the Irish language, including organizing immersive events throughout the year.Make sure to follow our social media account!
We are just about to launch a new and greatly expanded section on the Irish Language in Canada, featuring over 90 compositions from across 300 years of Canada’s history. Up until this goes live in March, website members will begin to get a preview of the material as Dónall trials the code.
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We thank everyone who contacted the University of Toronto about the free course being offered. It is obvious, when the University declared there was not much desire in Irish language, that they weren’t expecting this level of response. I know that a lot of people were put onto a waiting list, but be certain that the Gaeltacht team will be work to fill that gap for you, as much as we are able. We are discussing the subject and finding teachers, and when we have a more complete plan arranged we will share the news - but be certain that we will be doing our utmost for you and for Irish.
Lennox and Addington Museum Event (Feb 2):
Lá Fhéile Bríde / St Brigid’s Day / Imbolc: A Celebration of Brigid and Ireland’s Gaelic Spring Festival. Presented by Gaeltacht members Sorcha, Mícheál, and Eithne.
In Ireland’s Gaelic tradition, the first day of February marks the festival of Imbolc, the start of spring when the Celtic goddess Brigid is celebrated. An Irish woman also named Brigid became St Brigid of Kildare, Ireland’s only female patron saint, and her feast day, Lá Fhéile Bríde / St Brigid’s Day, coincides with Imbolc. Join us as we explore stories about Brigid – both goddess and saint – in Irish mythology, make a traditional Irish craft, and learn some Irish words. Come enjoy learning more about Ireland’s rich Gaelic folklore, customs, culture and language!
Feb.2, 11am-Noon, 97 Thomas Street East, Napanee ON
Find out more here: https://countymuseum.ca/event/irish-celebration/
Kingston Comhaltas Céilí (Feb 4):
Sets and Céilí dances, with live music performed by The Seventh Town Ceili Band. Sunday February 4th, 1-4pm at the Merchant Tap House, 7 Princess St, Kingston, ON.
Deoirí na nDéise
“Health and life to you all across in Canada. We were beyond happy when we saw that you have a little Gaeltacht. I’m Áine Uí Cheallaigh and I am on the committee of the community school here in the Gaeltacht in Rinn, Co. Waterford. The community school has happened for 70 years now. A lot of people come together and we have an amazing week speaking, learning, singing, playing music, and most definitely getting enjoyment and craic from the wonderful company… everything through Irish. People stay in the college that is next to the sea, Coláiste na Rinne (Check us on Google!). Tasty food and every other wonderful thing.
This year, our theme is Deoirí na nDéise - Emigrants of the Decies. We will be celebrating the people that had to leave the place and go overseas - they didn’t have any option. This is an invitation to you all to come back to Waterford and celebrate with us.
What about it?
If anyone is interested in coming over to us, contact me soon and I will send more details. This amazing week will happen in August, God willing. A very happy new year and every blessing on you all.“
Áine Uí Cheallaigh baunfaun2@gmail.com 0863924256
