‘Seachtain na Gaeilge’ will offer something for young and old with a special opportunity to use what Irish they have.  It also gives fluent speakers, who usually don’t use their Irish, a chance to meet up and chat as Gaeilge.  Where else better to practise your ’cúpla focal’ than over a coffee at An Carn at the Saturday coffee morning?  Later that same day at 2 pm a healthy walk up the Carn will be led by local guide Deaglán Ó Doibhilin.

For the very young, there is a storytelling afternoon for primary school children with the renowned Gearoidín Breathnach from the Gaeltacht area of Crolly.  An Carn Siopa will organise a book fair to coincide with the storytelling session.

There are also céilís and traditional nights suitable for families.  Alternatively, there are also a few toe-tapping traditional sessions for adults.  In Lavey, on Saturday 8^th March, Naoise Mag Loingsigh has organised a storytelling and music session in Boyle’s pub.  All musicians welcome !

A unique event is the outing to the cinema to view the highly acclaimed Oscar nominated Irish language film, ‘Ríthe’ or ‘Kings’. The film is an adaptation of Jimmy Murphy’s play, ‘Kings of the Kilburn Road,’ which follows six Gaeilge speaking labourers searching for an identity in an anonymous London.  The film will have sub-titles for those with only a cúpla focal.  This is definitely a first for the Maghera Gael.  This has been made possible by special arrangement with ‘Moviehouse’ Cinema.

On Thursday 6^th March, DJ Chris Dallat will provide the entertainment at a céilí for secondary school students in Watty Graham’s CLG Hall Maghera.  All Ireland Scór na n-Óg Ballad singer, Niamh Nig Loingsigh, from Lavey and the Glen Scór na n-Óg All Ireland Céilí Dancing finalists will entertain the youth on the night. A great night’s craic, games and energetic céilí dancing is envisaged.  Not for the faint-hearted!

The debate is the first of what is hoped to be a longstanding local derby, where the students of local secondary schools will discuss and argue a topical motion , as Gaeilge .  Pupils are also invited to participate in the public speaking competitions.  There are two age groups, U14 and U16.

Lynette Fay from Radio Ulster will host an outside broadcast of the popular Irish-language programme ‘Blas’ at An Carn Centre on Friday 14^th March.

The traditional night in Brackareilly Hall will have lots to offer with the local Ballinascreen comhaltas ceoltóirí  providing the music.  Local Gael, Will Gribbin, will be ‘fear an tí’ for the night and John-Joe Brannigan from Galbally  will provide a demonstration of ‘sean-nós’ dancing.

  Bí Gaelach, bí linn!  Fáilte Uí Cheallaigh roimh chách.   Everyone welcome.

Further information on any of the events can be obtained by contacting us by e-mail info@ancarn.org, or look up our website www.ancarn.org or telephone 0287954 9978 / Cabrini 07834049305.