Tánaiste Simon Harris will officially launch former Donegal Minister Joe McHugh’s new book this week in Dublin.
Mc Hugh has written a candid account of his experience of becoming a Junior Gaeltacht Minister in 2014, despite having little Irish.
Beidh Tú Alright tells the story of the backlash faced by McHugh on his surprise appointment, followed by his drive to master his native tongue and his eventual love of the language.
Fine Gael leader Simon Harris will launch the book at an event in Hodges Figgis Bookshop, Dawson St., Dublin 2 this Wednesday at 7pm.
McHugh has planned a Donegal launch on Saturday, 8th February at 7pm in The Parish Hall, Carrigart. The local launch will be MC’d by Noel Cunningham.
Further book signings are taking place at SuperValu in Carndonagh on Thursday, February 13th at 12:30 pm, and at Bookmark in Letterkenny Shopping Centre on Saturday, February 15th at 12:30 pm. All welcome.
Joe McHugh stepped down from politics ahead of the last general election and is currently completing a MSc at the University of Medicine and Health Sciences at RCSI with plans to become an executive coach.
In Beidh Tú Alright, the Carrigart politician shares his candid account of overcoming the daunting task of mastering Irish as an adult. He takes readers behind the scenes, revealing the emotional and intellectual struggles faced, and the deep connections he forged with the language, its history, and the Irish-speaking communities.
McHugh’s journey was not just about learning a language but rediscovering its cultural significance. From uncovering the meaning behind place names like Maam Cross and Gleann an Ghiolla Ghránna to finding inspiration in the landscapes of Bear Island and Gleann Cholm Cille, Beidh Tú Alright delves into how language can connect us to our heritage, our sense of place, and our own identity.
The book contains a foreword by President Michael D Higgins who said: ‘I hope that Joe McHugh’s account of his personal language odyssey will encourage others to undertake their own “aistear teanga“’
McHugh emphasises that it’s never too late to learn Irish and offers readers practical insights from personal experience to help them on their language journey. With humour and honesty, he shares the tools and practices that helped him succeed, such as full-immersion language programmes and cultural explorations.
Beidh Tú Alright is a powerful nod to the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of cultural heritage, and the joy of lifelong learning. McHugh’s personal story will inspire both those who have yet to start their Irish language journey and those who may have once given up.
Beidh Tú Alright will be published in paperback by Red Stripe Press in February 2025. ISBN 9781786051981 RRP €19.99