Labour Councillor Helen Ogbu has marked Seachtain na Gaeilge by calling for renewed efforts to bring the Irish language into everyday life across Galway, saying the language will only thrive if people feel confident using it in their daily conversations.
Cllr Ogbu said Seachtain na Gaeilge is a great opportunity to celebrate the Irish language, in Galway there is a huge appetite among people to reconnect with the language.
“Many adults are returning to the Irish they learned in school, parents are encouraging their children to use Irish more confidently, and local clubs and community groups are showing real interest in promoting the language in everyday settings," she added.
“The most important thing we can do in places like Galway is to make Irish visible and normal in daily life. Whether it is ordering a coffee, greeting someone on the street or using a few words in the workplace, those small moments matter. Every cúpla focal helps keep the language alive.
“The old saying captures it perfectly. Is fearr Gaeilge briste ná Béarla cliste. Broken Irish is better than clever English. If someone uses Irish imperfectly in Galway, that should be welcomed and encouraged, not criticised. Confidence grows through use.
“We are also seeing exciting developments that are bringing Irish into new spaces," Cllr Ogbu continued. "Irish language podcasts, musicians and online creators are helping younger generations see Irish as something vibrant and modern. Pop up Gaeltachtaí have also shown how powerful it can be when people simply come together to speak the language in a relaxed setting.
“There is a real opportunity for communities like Galway to build on that energy. Local sports clubs, youth groups, schools and community organisations can all play a role in encouraging everyday use of Irish. But Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael also need to step up. Underinvestment in Irish medium education and the pressures facing Gaeltacht communities remain serious concerns. If the State is serious about protecting the language, it must invest properly in education and in the communities that sustain Irish every day.”
