Speaker hosts event to mark Seachtain na Geilige

Pictured with the Assembly Speaker, Edwin Poots MLA are members of Conradh na Gaeilgeon. L-r: Conchubhair Mac Lochlainn, Paula Melvin, Principal Deputy Speaker Carál Ní Chuilín. Michaeline Donnelly and Niall Comer.

The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Edwin Poots MLA, today hosted an event to mark Seachtain na Gaelige (Irish Language Week) at Parliament Buildings.

The event took the form of a short seminar on townland names and their meaning and derivation.  The presentation, which was delivered by Assembly officials who provide Irish language interpretation for the Assembly Hansard, focused on the origins of places that have been named after the fauna and flora around us and on names that aren’t what they seem or what you might think.  The event also included opening remarks by Cuisle Nic Liam, Language Rights Co-Ordinator, from Conradh na Gaeilgeon, on the wider Seachtain na Gaelige programme.

The Speaker said:

“I was delighted today to host this event to mark Seachtain na Gaelige (Irish language week) to recognise its importance to many in the Assembly and our society.”

“However, today’s event, focussing on the origins of the names of many of our townlands, was also a chance for those with little or no knowledge of Irish to reflect on the historical influence of the Irish language around us.  As someone with a keen personal interest in history, it was a pleasure to offer this opportunity for MLAs from all parties to come together for a really informative and entertaining event.”

ENDS

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