The work of GAA clubs towards the Irish language was in the spotlight in Croke Park when Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha awards were presented to 53 clubs from counties all over the country.
In addition, awards were presented to five County Boards who took part in a special development strand of the Fondúireacht for the boards.
Among the proud award recipients were three county Galway club; Cealltrach CLG/ Caltra GAA, represented by Cormac Ó Dubhláine, and Peil na mBan Carna Caiseal represented by Niamh Ní Chonghaile and Brenda Ní Chlochartaigh.
They received Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha Irish language awards from Lorcán Mac Gabhann, Chief Executive of Glór na nGael, Áine Uí Choinn, Chairperson of the GAA Irish language Committee and sports broadcaster, Gráinne McElwain.
Cumann Naomh Mhuire Ard Rathaín CLG, who were not able to be present on the night, will receive their award at a later date.
McElwain, who was bean an tí for the occasion, announced the 3 clubs that achieved Boinn Óir (gold), the 13 clubs that achieved Boinn Airgid (silver), and the 37 clubs that achieved Boinn Cré-umha (bronze) this year. 3 county boards received Boinn Cré-umha (bronze) and 2 boards received Boinn Airgid (silver). (See the full list below.)
Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha (FSMD) is a partnership scheme between Glór na nGael and the CLG. The partnership is dedicated to increasing the presence and use of Irish in GAA clubs throughout the country.
The awards awarded are evidence of the clubs’ ongoing efforts to integrate Irish into their activities and to foster its growth among their members and communities.
After the ceremony, Cáit Ní Choirbhín, FSMD Manager, said, “Putting Irish at the heart of club life is a long-term project, and these awards are a recognition of that work.”
“We are seeing more clubs every year planning carefully, using Irish on a daily basis, and bringing people with them. This success would not be possible without the strong partnership between the clubs themselves, Glór na nGael and Croke Park.”
The event was not just an awards ceremony, but the culmination of a year in which the presence and status of Irish were actively promoted in the clubs and the communities where they are based.
Speaking from the stage, Cathaoirleach of the GAA Coiste Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, Áine Uí Choinn, expressed heartfelt thanks to the people working in the clubs, especially the oifigigh Gaeilge.
“You are the ones doing the really vital work on the ground, encouraging Irish in every activity from the games to the meetings, from social media – and there is fantastic work happening on social media – to the community events you organise.”
Jamie Ó Tuama, Oifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge an CLG (GAA Irish Language Development Officer), said that the GAA is extremely proud of what the clubs are achieving as they promote the language in a strategic way.
“It is truly wonderful to see the clubs here together, celebrating the fruits of their work in nurturing the language through sport.”
“It is very clear that the guidance and practical support the clubs receive from FSMD is greatly helping to foster and normalise Irish.”
“I would like to acknowledge not only the clubs, but also the work done by the Glór na nGael team, a team that works diligently throughout the year to achieve the aims and objectives of the Fondúireacht,” he said.
