Mattie McGrath Urges Revival and Nurture of the Irish Language
Mattie McGrath spoke in favour of reviving and nurturing the Irish language, arguing it is essential to national identity and must be kept alive. He cited community and school examples, quoted Pádric Piers on language and nationhood, and urged practical support for learning through Irish.
Main message
McGrath stressed the importance of valuing, nurturing and celebrating the Irish language. He said it is "our task... to keep it alive," echoed a quoted line from Pádric Piers that a nation is not a nation without its language, and expressed confidence that the language can come back.
Community and schools examples
He described local initiatives and the experience of young people learning through the medium of Irish, noting interest from across the community. McGrath referred to Kathleen and the board of management, and observed that some who do not speak English find it easier to learn Irish in these settings.
Personal and historical references
In his remarks he recalled family and local history, mentioning years such as 1899 and 1957 as part of his personal context for the discussion. Those recollections were used to underline the place of the language in community life and memory.
Practical points and closing remarks
McGrath mentioned a translator in Brussels and highlighted the role of schools in fostering enthusiasm for Irish. He concluded by urging continued effort to nurture the language, expressing enjoyment of the debate and thanking colleagues for the opportunity.
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Goeithmaatha Goed, agos Iam mart a sono, a saith am Ifeithma. I am a fair the going to deal with the F broadband of Rwyr Hsjacht na Geirge, Frisian, and a man saliùted number of people in that meeting of the Irish. On the other side, my grandmother did not again, on the other side, I am a part of her, in 1899, and the fact was on the other side, but in 1957, they were doing great in 1957. And it's, and the other day in the Gael Ghori, she was the boss, she's all in there. But, erm, I didn't... ...I was the first year of the year, that was the last year. And so, I was the first year of the year. And I was the first year of the year, the year of the year, the year of the year, and the year of the year of the year, One, there's a star-o'bar that has changed in the Gaelic, the Rhinca, the Ciaul and the Scotchrod in the culture. And the pression is Níinra, which is going to be in Costa Neuá. It's a star-o'bar to see the young people coming from all over. First of all, it's an interest in our village, but it's wonderful to see through the medium of Irish. When in a star-o'bar, on the Ciaulini and on the board of management, and Kathleen is a line in Ciaulian Ischic. It's a great place. And the people are full and down. They are in Ciaulian Ischic, not in the Gaelic. And I told Kathleen, she told me that it's easier for the people that don't speak English. speak English to learn the Irish, so it's interesting. It's there, it's within our grasp to nurture it again and to try and do what we can for it. And I think it's very important because the quote Pádric Piers, a nation is not a nation without its language, and it's only going to go abroad. And to anacharadam far o'go, question a new a, Sian e Caelic, in Brussels, as my translator. It's our task, really, to keep it alive. The Nina wouldn't give you enthusiasm, indeed the man's school, and it's there, it's in our being. We need to nurture it, and value it, and enjoy it, and celebrate it. And I think it will come back. For years I said we should ban it, and not that I wanted to ban it, but everyone would speak it. So we're funny, funny people that way, but nonetheless I think it's very important, and I very much enjoyed this debate here tonight. thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you.
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