Some call it the ‘Kneecap effect’; others blame it on a boom in patriotism, but there has been a notable boost in the number of Irish youths interested in learning and embracing Irish.
Since 2020, many youths in Limerick are doing their best to learn the Irish language.
Brian O’Conaill, a student at the University of Limerick, spent his quarantine learning the language.
“I properly started to learn Irish during quarantine, so 2020-2021, before that, although I was ‘learning’ it in primary school, I couldn’t speak a word of it.”
He explained: “I speak Irish every day at home with my dad, and I have been doing so for the past five years. I also speak it with any of my friends that I know can speak it, or anyone at all I know can speak it.
“I am proud to speak it because I think it’s the most important part of Irish culture and identity, and it just ties the rest together.
“I do think other young people definitely are interested in learning Irish, especially nowadays, or perhaps I’m just in a little gaeilge bubble.”
Victor Sullivan, who also speaks Irish Gaelic, was sent by his mother to a gaeltacht to learn the language, and he agreed that he was proud to be able to speak it.
There are many platforms and programmes set up to facilitate the spread of the language, such as online classes from the Conradh na Gaeilge, Aonad na Gaeilge at the University of Limerick’s Language Centre, and more.
A brief meeting with Dr Deirdre Ní Loingsigh, Stiúrthóir na Gaeilge, Director of Aonad na Gaeilge, the UL Irish Language Centre, explained that Irish language programmes at the University of Limerick are not just for the students.
They are also offered to staff and to members of the public as are part of the university’s initiatives to promote the Irish language and culture, and engage with the broader community.
She also agreed that there is an interest among young people in learning Irish, confirming that the current numbers on UL undergraduate programmes in Ireland are high.
She noted that one of the rewarding aspects of her job at Aonad na Gaeilge is watching learners’ confidence grow.
“You don’t have to be perfect at Irish to participate in classes and activities at Aonad na Gaeilge; you can start at any point and grow.
Our aim is to support all those interested in Irish to gradually cross the bridge from being language learners to Irish language users here on campus, and in the workplace and community.”