Five GAA clubs in County Donegal have been commended for their commitment to promoting the Irish language.
They were amongst the 70 clubs nationwide who were honoured at the Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha awards ceremony in Croke Park last night.
Gaoth Dobhair were awarded the prestigious Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha Gold Medal, the only club in Ulster to claim gold for their achievements in promoting the use of the Irish language within their club and the community at large.
Three Donegal clubs also received silver medals, Cill Chartha CLG, Cloich Cheann Fhaola CLG and Gaeil Fhánada; with Gleann tSúilí CLG being awarded a bronze medal for their efforts.
Caitríona Nic Seoin, the manager of Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha said that the scheme has grown continually in the last number of years and that this year’s awards ceremony is the biggest to date.
“Each year the Glór na nGael team look forward to visiting the clubs as part of the adjudication process as we get a chance to see all of the wonderful work being done in clubs throughout the country to ensure that there is a space for the Irish language within their organisations. Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha provides a template for clubs to carry out this work, as well as providing recognition for their achievements. The success of this scheme fully depends on co-operation between the clubs, Glór na nGael and Croke Park and we are very grateful to our friends in the GAA for their ongoing co-operation with us, and for the work that they carry out on the ground with the clubs. The impact of this co-operation can be seen in the significant increase in the amount of medals awarded this year.”
Commenting on Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha, Jarlath Burns, Uachtarán CLG said:
“The Irish language is at the heart of the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Fondúireacht is a wonderful scheme for promoting the language. It gives me great pleasure to see that this scheme is going from strength to strength, year after year. I would like to thank our partners, Glór na nGael who work very hard to deliver this scheme each year.
“I would like to congratulate all the teams that have been awarded Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha medals, especially those teams who have been awarded Gold. You have achieved something extraordinary.”
Representatives from clubs in Ulster were present at Croke Park to proudly accept their awards, symbolising their dedication to promoting the Irish language both within their clubs and in their broader local communities.
Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha is a collaborative initiative between Glór na nGael and the GAA. The partnership is dedicated to enhancing the presence and usage of the Irish language across GAA clubs nationwide. These medals serve as a testament to the clubs’ ongoing efforts in integrating the Irish language into their activities and fostering its growth among their members and communities.
This event not only acknowledges individual club achievements but also reinforces the importance of preserving and promoting the Irish language through sport.
