Seachtain na Gaeilge is a nationwide campaign backed by organisations who aim to promote Irish. It takes place the week before St. Patrick’s Day each year.
Whilst great emphasis is put on the campaign in schools across the country, third level institutes also opt to take part in the festivities.
Chairperson of An Cumann Gaelach DCU, Caoimhe Ní Chathail, praised the work done to make the campaign a success this year:
“Seachtain na Gaielge involves so much planning from our committee but also cooperation with the likes of the SU and St Pats Cumann Gaelach. The week was launched brilliantly by a broadcast on DCUfm with Raidió Rí Rá and the rest of the week looks set to be fantastic. We are particularly excited this year for our inter-society event ‘How Gaelach Are You’ which sees society representatives battling it out to be crowned DCU’s most ‘Gaelach’ student. The presence of Irish on campus and across social media is something which we’re pushing a lot this year and it’s brilliant to have an entire week dedicated to the language.”
Seachtain na Gaeilge is run by An Cumann Gaelach in DCU, alongside DCUSU. The week is filled to the brim with Irish-themed events and students are encouraged to speak Irish as much as possible.
This year the events consisted of Shite Nite Gaelach, Tie-dye and Bricfeásta Gaelach in the 1838 restaurant, run in association with DCU Alumni.
New additions to the schedule included Granny Biongó in the Old Bar, a DCUfm broadcast with Raidió Rí-Rá and Paineal na Meáin, featuring Bláthnaid Ní Chófaigh, Shane Ó Curraighin and the ladies behind Irish beauty blog, ‘Gaeilge le Glam.’ Another event added to the agenda was a gameshow dubbed ‘How Gaelach Are You’ whereby representatives from various societies within DCU battled it out to claim the title of ‘Most Gaelach Student’.
Aine Marie Monk
Leave a Reply