Article written by The Droichead project in An Gaeláras for the Community Relations Council. CRC supports the organisation through its Core Funding Scheme.
The Droichead (meaning Bridge) Project, based in Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin in Derry, has had a busy Autumn and Winter 2024 season, making the Irish language accessible to communities and individuals who have had limited opportunity to hear, speak or learn Irish.
Two new outreach classes started in the North West Methodist Mission in the Waterside of the city. Thirty participants started their Irish Language journey with our experienced teachers, Ailéin and Bernie. Many of the learners have immersed themselves in the local Irish Language community by attending the Winter Intense Course in Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, as well as participating regularly in local conversation circles.
A grey morning in January 2025 was brought to life with a busy intense course hosted in Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin. Learners of all abilities enjoyed quality teaching and the opportunity to practice and enrich their language skills. It was topped off with a delicious lunch, coffee and treats from our new Café, Crann Beatha.
Our conversation circle in St. Columb’s Park house has continued to grow in popularity, with up to 20 people speaking Irish together on a busy morning. The project has ensured Irish is a regular and familiar part of the sound scape in the Café with the more fluent speakers giving great encouragement to beginners. It has been wonderful to see this community grow, and solid friendships formed by people of all ages and backgrounds through a shared interest in learning Irish.
The Core Funded team has secured a council led PEACEPLUS initiative, which will be delivered by Cara McLoughlin. The project kicked off in October and is already making the most of the opportunity to ensure the Irish language, and our space in Cultúrlann are accessible to a wide range of communities including LGBTQA+ groups, new communities and rural communities. It is also focused on strengthening our cross-border relationships and we are looking forward to projects starting in Muff, Buncrana and with Inishowen Pride.
Good Relations week 2024 was an opportunity to distribute our many resources that encourage exploration of Irish and the history of the language. Cupla Focal leaflets, as well as local townland maps and historical timeline designed by local architect, Tom Cosgrove, made their way to schools, community centres and public spaces.
We celebrated Ulster Scots language week with local writer and artist Robert Campbell. He delivered engaging story building workshops in three local Gaelscoils. The kids loved the funny and familiar Scots words and interactive session that included dice, images and a test for the “low and vulgar.”
Hosting Nollaig na mBan (Women’s Little Christmas) in Tullyally Community Centre in collaboration with Waterside Neighbourhood Partnership was a highlight of the Winter Season. Sixty women braved the snow to experience this Irish tradition on the 6thJanuary 2025.
There will be no stopping us in Spring as we head out to deliver Place Name workshops, explore the impact of language loss through partnership work with The Junction NI, deliver a Goddess building workshop that will introduce people to Irish mythology and have a good old celebration of St Patrick’s Day with our Friends in Clooney Hall, eating, céilí dancing and making new connections.
Further Info
Find out more about The Droichead project in An Gaeláras.