Students receive bursary award in memory of Derry Irish language activist

PICTURED ABOVE: Mayor Patricia Logue at the launch of the Donncha Mac Niallais Award held in Dove House. The awards were presented by Donncha's mother Mary Nelis, Karen (his partner) and son Jude, to Mia Green, St. Mary's College, and on right Christina McLaughlin, An Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir. Also included on left, are Alicia O'Kane, teacher, An Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir, Eileen Allen, chairperson, Dove House, Pattie Thornton, manager, Dove House, Declan Mac Niallais (brother), and Caitrionn Devlin, teacher, St. Mary's College. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

Two Derry students have become the first recipients of a bursary award set up in memory In memory of the late Donncha Mac Niallais and his love of the Irish language.

Established by Dove House Community Trust, the award was launched in March.

The two successful 2023 candidates were Christina Mc Laughlin (student at An Gael Scoil Eadain Mhoir) and Mia Green (student at St Mary's College).

The successful applicants were presented their awards by members of Donncha’s family, Karen and Mary.

The Donncha Mac Naillias Award offers two scholarships which include a one week paid trip to An Gaeltacht in summer 2024, travel fees, clothing allowance and spending allowance.

The Donncha Mac Niallais Award will run annually, with applications for the 2024 Award opening in January 2024. We would encourage local schools and colleges to promote this award amongst their pupils.

Speaking to Derry News, a spokesperson said: “Donncha Mac Nialliais was a renowned activist within the Irish Language community and struggle for the language’s revival, sustainability, and equality.

“He promoted the Irish Language, used the language as a gaeilgeoir at every opportunity and he assisted in establishing structures and institutions to ensure the language grew and became sustainable for generations to come.

Mayor Patricia Logue at the launch of the Donncha Mac Niallais Award held in Dove House. The awards were presented by Donncha's mother Mary Nelis, Karen (his partner) and son Jude, to Mia Green, St. Mary's College, and on right Christina McLaughlin, An Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

“Similarly, within the Community Sector Donncha was equally a renowned activist in the struggle for equality and challenging the social, economic, and educational inequalities that existed in some of the most marginalised communities.

“Donncha’s contribution to the Irish Language sector and the Community and Voluntary sector will continue to be realised for years to come.”