Launch of Seachtain na Gaeilge

CLARE’S Seachtain na Gaeilge will be launched with a concert by new trad group Re-Seisiún in Cois na hAbhna this Thursday.

As part of the opening ­festivities, the Clare-based group, who formed in September 2009 and performed to an audience at the Celtic Cultural Connections evening in Brussels, will provide music for Céilí Mór na Seachtaine.
This will be a taster for the events of the week, which includes appearances and workshops by broadcaster, journalist, poet and dramatist Liam Ó Muirthile; ­singer/songwriter and Nollaig No.1 judge Tadhg MacDonnagáin; actress Marie Breathnach, best known for her role as Mo Gilmartin in Ros na Rún; writer and renowned accordionist Maidhc Dainín Ó Sé, author of A Thig ná Tit orm, a staple element of the Leaving Certificate syllabus and Clare’s own Diarmuid de Faoite performing drama readings from his new Pádraig Ó Conaire publication, Rogha Scéalta on March 15 in Cois na hAbhna.
The programme of events, which will be launched on the night, provides details of events being held in various villages in the county.
Fóram Gaeilge an
Chláir and Clare Library service have co-ordinated the events for the seachtain but, as in previous years, local groups organising events were invited to forward their details for inclusion.
“Due to the circulation of the programme in retail outlets and libraries throughout the county, it is a wonderful way for them to benefit from the promotion,” said Emer Ní Fhlaitheartaigh, oifigeach forbartha Gaeilge with Clare County Council, and Fóram member.
“The principle aim of Seachtain na Gaeilge is to provide opportunities and occasions for people to use their Gaeilge.
“We are very fortunate in Clare to have so many groups throughout the county organising ranganna Gaeilge, which boast high attendances.
“People need occasions and events to use their Gaeilge in a social setting, which is why this annual programme is of utmost importance to the preservation and promotion of the language.
“We are once again very fortunate to have many high-profile visitors to Clare, who through their varied talents will appeal to all generations and all levels of fluency.”
Ciorcal Cainte agus Caifé will take place in coffee shops throughout Ennis from March 8 to 12 in the following venues: Monday, The Beehive; Tuesday, the Town Hall; Wednesday, Brogan’s; Thursday, Áras Contae an Chláir and Friday, The Rowan Tree.
It is also important to note that Clare’s Irish language events during the month of March are not just limited to Seachtain na Gaeilge.
Féile na hInse, the annual festival of competitions ­including storytelling, ­singing, debating, and art, takes place between March 20 and 28, giving Clare almost a full month of activities celebrating all things Gaeilge.
The festival will close on St Patrick’s Day, with a cultural evening in Brogan’s, Ennis, at 8pm.