Sacred Heart Secondary School, Clonakilty awarded Gaelbhratach Irish Flag

On Wednesday, 27 April, Sacred Heart Secondary School was awarded the Gaelbhratach Irish Flag in Saint Patrick’s College Drumcondra, Dublin. Gaelbhratach is a reward-based scheme which officially recognises schools, which are active in the promotion of Irish throughout the school. Gaelbhratach is funded by Foras Na Gaeilge and organised by Gael-linn. A committee of six students, of junior and senior cycle, was appointed at the beginning of the school year, with Irish teacher Treasa Ní Longáin at the helm. Following a training course provided for committee members and teachers, held in The Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork, the students set about to enable and encourage the student body and staff to take an active part in the use and promotion of the Irish language in the school.

Events held by the committee, to promote the Irish language, included a talent show, a céilí, a club Gaeilge, promotion of the Irish language at the transition year trade fair and sports day. An art competition was held to illustrate the vision or slogan of the Irish language in the school. “An Ghaeilge i Meánscoil an Chroí Naofa – Is traidisiún ilghuthach, ilghnéitheach, beoga é traidisiún na Gaeilge. Domhan nach féidir luach a chur air; ár n-oidhreacht; ár bhféiniúlacht”, translated to “The Irish language in Sacred Heart Secondary School is a mutli-vocal, diverse and vibrant tradition. A world without a price-tag; our heritage, our identity”.

A bakesale was held to support the voluntary work of Carmel Nic Airt, Principal of Gaelscoil Mhichíl Uí Choileáin, Clonakilty, who spent a month on the Greek island of Leros to assist with the refugee crisis in March. Sacred Heart Secondary School, Clonakilty will hold a ceremony, in the coming weeks, to erect the Gaelbhratach Irish Flag, which was presented to the committee at the award ceremony last Wednesday.

A huge congratulations to students on the Gaelbhratach Committee: Maebh Ní Chárthaigh, Madelyn Ní Aodha, Lauren Ní Shuilleabháin, Laura Ní Dhonnabháin, Aiesha Ní Mhurthuile, Tess Ní Cheallaigh and their teacher Treasa Ní Longáin.

Picture 1: Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh; Television and Radio Presenter; Seán Ó Coinn, Deputy CEO/Director Educational Services, Foras na Gaeilge; Maebh Ní Chárthaigh; Madelyn Ní Aodha and Antoine Ó Coileáin, CEO of Gael Linn

Picture 2: Back, from left, committee members: Laura Ní Dhonnabháin; Aiesha Ní Mhurthuile; Maebh Ní Chárthaigh and Tess Ní Cheallaigh

Front, from left, Lauren Ní Shuilleabháin and Madelyn Ní Aodha