Ag breathnú siar chun céim a ghlacadh chun tosaigh – Looking back to take a step forward

Céim ar chéim, step-by-step, that’s how the Irish language has got to the position it is in in Derry.Thanks to the work of Mary Delargy, and others, we can recount the story of the Irish Language and how we’ve got to the point where Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin and Irish speakers are flourishing in the city.

The modern history of the language in the city can be traced back to 1894 and the founding of the first branch of Conradh na Gaeilge in the city.

As was normal at the time, the group was diverse in terms of religion. As was the case with numerous events during this time period local, national and international affairs had a detrimental impact on the growth of the movement.

Reformed

There were numerous efforts to begin Irish language classes in the city again, and there was another branch founded in the 1950s, Craobh Sheáin Uí Dhubhláin.

It was through Craobh Cholmcille, however, that the links to Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin can be traced back.

Craobh Cholmcille was reformed in 1983 in order to deal with the growing demand for Irish classes. Eventually a permanent place for those classes was found on Mórshráid Shéamais (Great James Street).

In 2009 Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin opened its doors and from there it has been years of development and growth.

Challenges

That isn’t to say there hasn’t been challenges, of course there have, but the spirit of the community has kept things going.

From looking back, to looking forward, the question has to be asked — what’s next?

The Irish Language is in the strongest position it has been in a long time and is now attracting international attention.

The passing of the Identity and Language Act in 2022 and the appointment of an Irish Language Commissioner can only help the case going forward.

The Irish Language education sector is flourishing, and the three Gaelscoileanna as well as a new Naíscoil in Doire Trasna are helping to strengthen the sector even further.

It’s easy to take a step back and look at everything with rose-tinted glasses, and it’s important to look back and appreciate everything that has been achieved.

It’s also important, however, to look forward and realise all that is left to achieve. As we know with rising costs many community-based organisations are struggling and the Irish Language sector is no different.

(L-r) Eibhlín Ní Dhochartaigh, Chairperson Fondúireacht Cholm Cille, Danny Moore, manager of Dungloe Bar handing over £1,000 check to Liam Ó Faolain, treasuer of Fondúireacht Cholm Cille, Pol MacCathmhaoil, fundraiser, Caoimhín Ó Dochartaigh, vice-chairperson. Money was to help revitalise a house in Gort a Choirce which would be availabe to Gaeilgeoirí throughout the country.

Despite this, however, things keep moving forward. We have over 400 learners attending our classes both on site, online, and in our outreach classes. The outreach project of An Droichead is undertaking extraordinary work in reaching people who haven’t had opportunities to learn the language before.

Our Acadamh Ceoil has over 100 learners and is helping to support the traditional music scene in the city. Our Bláthanna project is working towards IMBOLC and we look forward to welcoming many of you.

Club Óige Setanta is providing a service to young Irish speakers and helping to foster the next generation.

There’s so much to be positive about and so much more to come, and here at the Cultúrlann we’re looking forward to being a part of it.

Má chuireann tú síolta ag tús na bliana, feicfidh tú an toradh níos moille sa bhliain - You reap what you sow.