Bliain Úr Mhaith Daoibh Go Léir [Happy New Year] and with a new year comes new goals!!
CAIRDE Teo, Armagh City’s largest, Irish language social enterprise has just appointed a new Irish Language Officer to carry forward the group’s programme of educational, social and cultural activities in 2022.
Cáit Ní Choirbhín, a native of Lurgan, is the latest member of staff to join the CAIRDE team based at Aonach Mhacha in the Shambles area of Armagh City.
Speaking to Armagh I, Cáit announced that a full programme of face-to-face Irish language classes will be delivered again this year in the spacious, well-ventilated and hygienic surroundings of Cultúrlann Aonach Mhacha.
“I’m delighted to join the CAIRDE Teo team in Armagh” enthused Cáit, a past pupil of Lismore Comprehensive School in Craigavon and an Honours Graduate of Queens University where she studied Irish Language and Celtic Studies. Ms Ní Choirbhín also completed a Masters Research Degree in Irish Language Phonetics.
“I am passionate about the Irish language and I’m looking forward to working with a range of partners and organisations across the ABC Council area in order to increase the range of lrish language learning opportunities and the range of activities available to existing Irish speakers”.
An avid follower of Gaelic Games, Cáit is an active member of her own club CLG Naomh Peadar ar An Lorgain. S
he is looking forward to working with other GAA clubs and with Comhairle Uladh CLG to promote and enhance the role of the Irish language across all sectors of the GAA in Co Armagh.
“Since 2010 CAIRDE has been providing evening lessons and intensive courses to people from all age groups and community backgrounds. With a variety of different levels and learning options available, we’re sure to have a course that meets your specific language needs.
“Whether you have no previous knowledge of the language, have a few words or are on the road to fluency, you are welcome to take part in the classes or in some of the conversation groups or conversational role play settings that will be delivered online and on social media platforms.
“Learning a language has been proved to enhance cognitive function and mental health. It’s also an enjoyable way to socialise and meet new friends. Interest in the Irish language in Armagh is at an all-time high, with a young, confident and vibrant Irish speaking community in the city.
“More and more social and employment opportunities are opening up for Irish speakers both in Ireland and in Europe. The Irish language achieved full status as an official language of the European Union from midnight on 31st December 2021. Hundreds of Irish speakers are now employed in Brussels and in other offices of the EU across the European continent.
“Demand for places at Irish medium pre-schools and primary schools also continues to grow apace across Armagh, Keady, Lurgan, Crossmaglen and Portadown.
“So, whatever your reason for wanting to learn Irish, dust off those January blues and register now on the link below”.
Each course lasts ten weeks and will commence the week beginning 24th January 2022. The fee for the full ten-week course is £35 waged and £25 unwaged. Payment can be made online or by paying at the Cultúrlann reception.
Courses consist of one interactive class each week (7pm – 8.30pm) with our professionally qualified Irish language teachers. Following registration, you will receive a link to the appropriate class and an invitation to join your class’s Whats App group where you will receive additional one to one support and learning materials.
CAIRDE Teo are also teaming up with ABC Council’s Neighbourhood Renewal Team to provide FREE Irish language support lessons for young people studying for GCSE Irish and who are resident within Armagh Neighbourhood Renewal Area. These classes are supported by the Department for Communities Neighbourhood Renewal Programme.
www.cairdeteo.com/online-classes
CAIRDE Teo also organise a monthly bilingual hillwalking group on the first Saturday of every month as well as a variety of social and family events that offer Irish speakers and learners an opportunity to practice their language skills in an informal and fun environment.
Watch out for our quarterly ‘díanchúrsaí’ or all day intensive learning courses. The first one of 2022 will be delivered during ‘Seachtain na Gaeilge’ on Saturday 12th March in Cultúrlann Aonach Mhacha.
Ranganna Gaeilge in Ard Mhacha / Irish Classes in Armagh
| Level | Duration | Tutor | Start Date | Time |
| Bunrang / Beginners | 10 weeks | Róise Ní hAodha | 25-01-2022 | Tuesday
7pm to 8.30pm |
| Meánrang Íochtar / Improvers Class | 10 weeks | Lauren Nic Cathmhaoil | 25-01-2022 | Tuesday
7pm to 8.30pm |
| Rang Tacaíochta GCSE / GCSE Support Class | 10 weeks | Caoimhe Ní Fhanthorpa | 26-01-2022 | Wednesday
7pm to 8.30pm |
| Meánrang Uachtar / Advanced Improvers | 10 weeks | Colly Ó Madáin | 27-01-2022 | Thursday
7pm to 8.30pm |
| Ardrang / Advanced Class | 10 weeks | Róisín Nic an Bheatha | 27-01-2022 | Thursday
7pm to 8.30pm |
