Grá ar an teanga – A love for the language
22 May 2026
This week Seán Devlin, senior footballer and hurler with Aghaderg and Ballyvarley GAC, gave an impassioned account of his journey learning Irish to an Oireachtas committee in Dáil Éireann. Seán, alongside his classmate from St Colman’s College, gave his address entirely as Gaeilge.(in Irish).
Seán spoke about learning Irish from age 11. He acknowledged the importance of his many trips to the Donegal Gaeltacht, where he had the opportunity not only to develop the richness of his Irish, but also to make many friends and have plenty of craic along the way. Seán was supported by our Club with a deontas (award) each year, to assist him with this valuable experience. He now plans to return this summer to work in Coláiste Mhachaire Rabhartaigh.
Through school, Seán was involved in the Gael Linn Gaelbhratach scheme: an All-Ireland scheme established to create natural opportunities for children to speak Irish outside of the classroom. This involved organising activities such as quizzes, céilí dances, and language classes for staff and pupils. Last week, Seán travelled to Limerick with his A-level Irish class to collect two awards for their efforts in promoting Irish within the wider school community, and beyond.
Seán’s account of his love of our native language, and his learning to date, was delivered to the committee members who have responsibility for informing and shaping future policy on the learning of Irish within schools. Hopefully his positive experience will help shape the opportunities to learn and speak Irish for many children and young people in the years ahead.
We are extremely proud