Anger after Irish language sign defaced in Maghera area

There is anger in the Maghera area after an Irish language sign was defaced.

The sign at Gortinure Road on the outskirts of the town was targeted by vandals earlier this week.

The Irish translation of the road name and the townland were sprayed over with red paint.

Aontú Deputy Leader and East Derry representative Gemma Brolly discovered the destruction on her way to work on Wednesday morning.

Ms Brolly, who is a teacher in an Irish medium school, said: “Our language is for everyone - no barriers.

“This unfortunately caught my eye on my way to work today. I say 'work' lightly. While ignorance lurks in the dark of night, afraid to venture too far into unknown territory, I enjoy speaking and teaching my native language to the generations that follow me. I have what was always my right but was not accessible until recent times, when now I can send my own children to an Irish medium school, raising them in their native language. That is our right. It always was and it always will be.”

The vandalism comes ahead of a national protest for the Irish language and Gaeltacht which will be attended by locals in Dublin on September 20.

Ms Brolly continued: “Very soon we will take to the streets once again to demand equality. Efforts to deter us only entice those feet on the street. So go raibh maith agaibh.

“You will never conquer our language, you cannot extinguish the fire in our bellies to obtain what is rightfully ours.

“If our efforts have not been sufficient to succeed enough, our children will win it by a better deed. And win it they will.” 

Noreen McEldowney, Aontú Representative for the Maghera area, said the vandalism on dual signage must be treated with the utmost seriousness.

“This recent act of vandalism emphasises the animosity there is towards the Irish language in our community,” said Mrs McEldowney. 

“In 2025, when the majority of the people want to live in peace and freedom, others are trying to instil hatred and fear against something they know absolutely nothing about. It is really very sad.

“The people who commit such crimes, in their own ignorance and insecurity, are afraid. And not just of the Irish Language but of Irish culture.” 

“This is very serious,” she continued. 

“Such blatant ignorance leads to fear, hostility and even violence. I would say to the culprit or culprits, if the Irish language offends or upsets you, instead of attacking it, go learn about it or learn it, because it really is such a beautiful and wonderful language. 

Mrs McEldowney added: “The Irish language is going nowhere. As the recent GCSE results in the six counties show it’s growing and going from strength to strength.”