It was a lively launch at Áras an Mhuilinn recently as the new schedule of events for Seachtain na Gaeilge 2012 was announced.
“As well as our current schedule of Irish music, language, and dance classes, Áras an Mhuilinn will host a number of special events from now until March 17 to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge,” said Rhona Rogers, administrator, Áras an Mhuilinn.
At the launch cathaoirleach of Áras an Mhuilinn, Camillus Glynn said he looks forward to people using the great facilities at Áras an Mhuilinn and attending the variety of classes and special events. “Comhaltas has a strong focus on the Irish language and 2012 has been dedicated as Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann’s Year of Irish,” said Mr Glynn “ If we don’t use it, we will lose it,” he continued.
Cathaoirleach of local group Glór na nGael, Caoimhín O hEaghra referred to the “normalisation of Irish” encouraging people to use whatever Irish they have, however little. Phrases like ‘Dia dhuit’ and ‘go raibh maith agat’ are ones many of us remember from school, why not use these in shops and in our everyday lives to keep the language alive?”
New classes at Áras an Mhuilinn include traditional singing on Wednesday evenings and Sean Nós dancing on Tuesday evenings. As well as Irish conversation classes on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings, there will be an extra Irish conversation class put on Monday March 12. Beginners are very welcome.
If you feel you are a bit rusty but you have an interest, come along and brush up. It’s a very informal class designed for fun and to encourage people to use what ever cúpla focail they have.
As well as Irish, French is also taught at Áras an Mhuilinn. Students from both these classes and anyone else is welcome to attend an informal session. Music classes are hosted by Mullingar CCÉ each Thursday evening.
A table quiz to support Mullingar St Patrick’s Day parade will be held tonight, Friday March 9. There will be a couple of questions as Gaeilge! Come along, test your knowledge, and support a worthy cause.
During the second week of Seachtain na Gaeilge, local author and artist Dolores Keaveney will do a reading of her book, Jenny an chearc bheag dhonn, on Wednesday March 14. Mullingar CCÉ will host a seisiún on Friday March 16 in Áras an Mhuilinn and they will play another seisiún at Belvedere House on Sunday March 18.
Ceili CCÉ Frank Gavigan will take place in Milltown Rathconrath Community Centre from 4-7pm.
Further details can be obtained on all classes and events at Áras an Mhuilinn, Jail Hill, Mount Street, by calling (044 ) 9330644 or mail [email protected].
