Oideas Gael’s annual Scoil Samhraidh Teanga & Cultúir (Language & Culture Summer School) took place in Gleann Cholm Cille last week, 23–30 July, after two years of delays due to COVID-19.
The special flagship event is the highlight of Oideas Gael’s course programme every year, where participants take part in language classes each morning with cultural workshops in the afternoon, including sean-nós singing, the bodhrán, Italian cooking, drama, tapestry weaving, Donegal dances and many more options.
Clann Mhic Ruairí
A unique programme of evening events is always a key feature of the Summer School. This year was no different with a broad variety of events and special guests, including:
- Clann Mhic Ruairí, Rann na Feirste, in concert
- A special screening of acclaimed cinema release An Cailín Ciúin followed by a Q&A with star Carrie Crowley and Deirbhile Ní Churraighín, Commissioning Editor, TG4.
- Prose reading with prominent writer Séamas Mac Annaidh.
- Variety performance led by Ray & Macdara Yeates featuring music, song, poetry, and stories around the theme of ‘An Strainséar sa Teanga’ (‘The Stranger in the Language’). The evening also featured an interview with best-selling English language author Emma Dabiri, who is taking a renewed interest in the Irish language.
- A lecture entitled ‘I gcomhrá leis na logainmneacha’: ‘The Ordnance Survey in Donegal, 200 years later’, by Dr Frances Kane, Queen’s University Belfast.
- An evening of sean-nós and storytelling hosted by Gearóidín Breathnach and featuring performers from across the Donegal Gaeltacht.
- Céilí Mór with Clement Ó Gallachóir of Ardara.
Deirbhile Ní Churraighín and Carrie Crowley at the screening of ‘An Cailín Ciúin’ and Q&A with Ray Mac Mánais
Oideas Gael were extremely happy to see their language and culture courses for adults in the Donegal Gaeltacht return to full strength after two years negotiating the COVID-19 pandemic.
Séamas Mac Annaidh
Oideas Gael’s summer programme began on the 4th of June this year and, since the beginning of July, has seen over 100 people per week taking part in the courses.
Emma Dabiri and Ray Yeates
The programme of courses includes both language classes at every level and cultural activity holidays such as hill
walking, exploring the environment, Irish music, art, folklore and archaeology.
