Féile na Gaeilge 2010 - A great success!

There was a wide range of activities, with something suitable for every age group and every level of Irish speaker; the fluent speakers, those with only a cúpla focal, and even those with none but a love for the Irish culture.

There was a whole host of activities for the youth between trips bowling and to Dublin as well as a Disco Gaelach. One particular event the teens put excellent work into was the Public Speaking Competitions. This competition was aimed at secondary school students and St Patrick’s College, Maghera and St Patrick’s College, Dungiven took part. An Carn would like to congratulate all who took part. The presentations were of a very high standard and were very interesting. Éadaoin Nic Oscair won the under 16 level and Orlaith Ní Mhaoláin won the under 14 level. Carntogher Community Association would like to thank Deaglan Ó Doibhlin, Irish Language Development Officer for Magherafelt District Council and Limavady Borough Council for adjudicating the competition. We would also like to thank the teachers for helping their students prepare for the competition.

Other activities which gave the community the opportunity to celebrate the Irish Language and culture include; a Tráth na gCeist (quiz) in Peter Mc Kenna’s Bar, with quizmaster Seán Kerr. Seisiúin Ceoil (Music Sessions) in Granny Kanes; one aimed at teenagers and adults who are learning music and another for children.

The festival seen the beginning of a series of lectures with the first lecture on ‘Surnames’ with Aodan Mac Póilín and the second lecture on ‘Local History’, with Diarmuid O Doibhlin. The third lecture in the series on ‘Placenames’ with Greg Toner, will take place in Slaughtneil Hall on Wednesday 28^th April at 8:00pm.

Eithne Ní Ghalchóbhair lead a creative writing workshop through Irish for gaelscoil children. The children really enjoyed the session and they made up some very imaginative stories indeed!

The festival came to a close with a bilingual family walk up the Carn. More than 60 people took part, including young children, naíscoil & bunscoil children as well secondary level teenagers. Some people came as faraway as Belfast to take part in the walk. Declan O Doibhlin was there as a guide to provide information on items of significance on the walk.  

Carntogher Community Association would like to acknowledge our funders Foras na Gaeilge for enabling us to organise this festival. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the many volunteers both young adults and parents and everyone who helped out at each of the events.