Community group offering free Irish language classes

25 September 2024

CUMANN Bhaile an Mhóta in Downpatrick is offering free Irish language lessons on a weekly basis to help assist students with their academic studies.

The community group, which is situated in the Model Farm estate, celebrates Irish culture through an array of traditional activities, including dancing, poetry and songs, as well as speaking and learning the Gaelic language.

With thousands of local children returning to their studies for the new school year, Cumann chairman Jim Gibney is making fresh appeals for new members.

“I am appealing to mothers and fathers, who have children currently studying the Irish language either in primary or secondary school, and who, after work, have to help with their homework but know little themselves,” he said.

“Come along to the Cumann, we will help you learn Irish so that you can assist your children with their studies, because I know it is very difficult for people without the language to help with Irish homework.”

He continued: “I teach starter and intermediate classes. Éamon Mac Con Midhe teaches a higher-starter class while Delia McLaughlin and Tammy Gibney both teach their respective lower-starter classes as well.

“We try to come together in the Cumann to push Gaelic, Irish dancing, songs and poetry. We are totally dedicated to Irish culture, especially the Gaelic language as it is very dear to all of our hearts.”

Due to the classes being completely free of charge and run by volunteers, the Cumann has had to apply for a number of grants while also seeking help from local outlets, as secretary Éamon explained.

“Since opening the Cumann at our Model Farm venue we have to say that we have been very grateful to the Housing Executive as they own the building and it is managed by the County Down Rural Community Network,” he said.

“When we first came here there was very little in it but over the years we applied for numerous things to help us out.

“In 2021 we received a grant from the Housing Executive which allowed us to get broadband installed, as well as a television and iPads for the tutors.

“We also received a small grant from the Department for Communities, and, as there would be numerous people here, we used that to obtain a cooker, dishwasher, fridge, vacuum, microwave and a laptop to help us all out.”

Another successful grant awarded to the Cumann included the Ultach grant, which allowed the group to visit a Gaeltacht, while also providing funds to support ongoing classes, rent fees, volunteer expenses and other pop up events.

The Cumann also received funding from Newry, Mourne and Down Council to enable the classes to keep going and to continue to deliver community and pop up Gaeltacht events.

“There were various grants and funding which has helped us to keep going and we would like to show our appreciation and express our thanks to them,” said Eamon.

Currently, the Cumann has between 35-40 members who regularly attend classes, although this figure used to be higher before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nevertheless, there has been quick progression from those attendees, who tend to jump from beginner to intermediate classes in steady fashion.

“Twelve weeks ago when my current beginner class first started, they knew no Gaelic,” said Jim.

“But, they know so much now and in a few weeks’ time they will have the basic understanding of verbs that they need to construct sentences, to ask questions and to have a conversation.”

The various classes take place throughout the week with an array of options for those interested in joining.

For more information regarding timetables and any other enquiries, message the Cumann Bhaile an Mhóta Facebook page.

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