Cork City Council launches conversation cards to promote Lá na Gaeilge 

Cork City Council is encouraging businesses and service providers to use cúpla focal today to celebrate Lá na Gaeilge.

While Lá na Gaeilge is usually celebrated on St Patrick’s Eve, the council said they decided to bring it forward as this year’s bank holiday falls on a Monday.

The council said that the decision came as they were looking to host the celebration on a date that would have “maximum impact”.

To assist participating businesses and service providers, Grúpa Forbartha Gaeilge has prepared a laminated A5 card with common phrases, which is available for collection in Cork City Council’s network of 10 libraries, through the council’s public offices, and online via the council’s website.

Speaking to The Echo, the Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle, said that the initiative is an opportunity to boost the use of the Irish language in everyday conversation.

“What we’ve done is we have printed up a card that we are trying to widely distribute to people; it has seanfhocail on it for people to repeat,” said Mr Boyle.

“It marks out everyday phrases that can be used, from greetings and phrases that can be used on St Patrick’s Day to phrases you would use as general pleasantries, or phrases you would use at work.

“They are common phrases and simple statements that are easy to learn.

“It’s to encourage the use of the Irish language and about dropping small bits of Irish into people’s every day speaking.

“I think most of us do know Irish but it’s about having the opportunity and confidence to use it,” he added.

Other events taking place across Cork city during Seachtain na Gaeilge include more than 35 Irish language or bilingual events throughout the council’s library network; An Céilí Mór in Millennium Hall tomorrow; and the launch of the Gradam Phadraig Uí Chuanacháin awards by Gael-Taca, celebrating and acknowledging companies using the Irish language in public signage and service provision.