Pupils from Cork school send messages of support to new Belfast Gaelscoil  

The founder of a Gaelscoil being established in loyalist East Belfast has thanked the infant classes of Gaelscoil Mhúscraí in Blarney who sent her several Christmas cards to express support for the project and wish her and the prospective pupils ‘Nollaig Shona/Happy Christmas’.

Linda Ervine, who was awarded an MBE by the late Queen Elizabeth II for her efforts to promote Irish language, described the Naíonáin classes of the Blarney school as “thoughtful” as she thanked them for the gesture.

“We were overwhelmed when we opened the envelope with all the beautiful cards this week – these children were great to think about us. The leader of the school, Ciara, who hails from Limerick originally, was moved to tears by the gesture.”

Ms Ervine also extended her gratitude to the parents of the children. The Belfast school was due to open this year but a loyalist organisation which includes representatives of paramilitary organisations expressed hostility, leading them to have to postpone their plans. However, the plans are now back on track.

Activist

The Irish language activist has already established a pre-school – Naíscoil na Seolta in East Belfast – and Irish language classes she organises attract more than 600 adult learners.

“We’re going to open the new building for the school in January and the pupils attending Naíscoil na Seolta will move in there and, in September, the first class will start and we have six confirmed pupils and possibly five more,” said Ms Ervine.

Gaelscoil Mhúscraí principal, Mairéad Uí Chárthaigh, said the pupils in the Blarney school were only delighted to send the cards after being approached by one of the parents.

“They all loved making and sending the cards and now we’ve been told they’re sending cards to us,” said the Gaelscoil principal.