Derry college students recognised for their Grá for Gaeilge

ABOVE: Group pictured at St. Columb’s College on Wednesday morning after receiving the ‘Gaelbhratach’ Status Flag from Gael Linn. The flag is awarded to schools to actively promote the use of Irish in their schools, not just in Irish classrooms but throughout. Included at front are students Cian O'Dowd, Tom Hudson, Vincent Logue-O'Callaghan, Jude Bryson and Aaron O'Doherty. Back from left are Damien DeBrun, Claire Keaney, Michael McNicholl, Mrs. Caroline McLaughlin, Principal, Dean O'Sluaghain, Gael Linn, Patrice McConnell, Head of Irish and Sinead McGonigle. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

Morning Assembly at St. Columb’s College on Wednesday was greeted with applause as Mrs. Patrice McConnell, Head of Irish, announced that the school had been awarded a Gaelbhratach (Irish Flag).

The Gaelbhratach is a status flag scheme run by Gael Linn and awarded to schools to actively promote the use of Irish across their schools, not just in Irish classrooms. 

Run by Gael Linn, ‘Gaelbhratach‘ is a national initiative that encourages primary and secondary school students to speak Irish as much as possible. 

Over 70 flags are annually awarded to numerous school students across Ireland – and are in recognition of their efforts to inspire and empower their school communities to speak Irish.

IN PICTURES: St Columb's College awarded a Gaelbhratach (Irish Flag)

St. Columb’s were presented with the flag by Irish Language Officer Dean O'Sluaghain, Gael Linn, who also addressed the students and thanked them for their continued involvement in promoting the Irish language and culture.

Speaking after Wednesday’s award, Mrs. Patrice McConnell, Head of Irish at the college said she was delighted and honoured to have received the flag, adding ‘We at St. Columb’s College have been working towards this all year. This was driven by a committee of students led by Senior/A-level boys. 

‘Those involved organised lots of activities throughout the school year including - design a GAA jersey competition; TikTok competition; table quizzes; guest speakers invited to the school; shamrock planting; bilingual mass; a competition amongst staff to see who can use the most Irish during Seachtain na Gaeilge; a cultural celebration before St. Patrick’s Day; an Irish carols service during Christmas festivities; senior students talking to GCSE students about study techniques; senior students playing bingo with junior students; senior students teaching Irish in local primary schools; as well as some new Irish language signage and a new mural in the school corridors.

‘Our Irish Department has grown considerably in recent years with almost 700 pupils now studying Irish in comparison to 360 six years ago. Irish is going from strength-to-strength, or ó neart go neart, and we couldn't be prouder.’

Also delighted with the award, Mrs. Caroline McLaughlin, Principal added: ‘It’s a great honour for St. Columb’s College to receive such a distinguished Irish award.

‘It’s testament to the hard work put in not only by our students but our staff right across the Irish Department at St. Columb’s. A massive congratulations to all involved and we will fly the flag with pride outside our school.’