The Gaelic proverb ‘Tús maith leath na h-oibre’ — meaning a good start is half the work — is particularly relevant in today’s working climate, given how valuable a basic command of, or indeed fluency in, the Irish language has become.
Gone are the days when three weeks as a cinnire in a Connemara Gaeltacht or a B+ in honours Irish was as useful as a relay medal in terms of finding employment outside the realm of teaching. Today, the ability to speak Irish should be highlighted in bold print on CVs and worn as a badge of honour. The reason is simple — Irish has become fashionable.
We owe this renewed energy to a number of changes in society....
Gone are the days when three weeks as a cinnire in a Connemara Gaeltacht or a B+ in honours Irish was as useful as a relay medal in terms of finding employment outside the realm of teaching. Today, the ability to speak Irish should be highlighted in bold print on CVs and worn as a badge of honour. The reason is simple — Irish has become fashionable.
We owe this renewed energy to a number of changes in society....
...In June 2007, the first official Gaeltacht outside of Ireland was established in Kingston, Ontario, Canada by ex-pat Aralt Mac Giolla Chainnigh, a Gaelgeoir from Belfast. His aim was to enable those living abroad to come back into contact with the language. The community has created many employment opportunities for those living in North America with a fluency in the language.
So if you wish to brush up on your own Irish ability, why not start now? Seachtain Na Gaeilge runs from 13-17 March and organisers are encouraging as many people as possible to take part in events around the country.
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