Two Cork GAA clubs recognised for promoting Irish language 

Two Cork GAA clubs have been recognised for their work in promoting the Irish language.

The clubs were among 53 from across the country to receive Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha (FSMD) awards at a special celebration in Croke Park.

In addition, awards were presented to five county boards which took part in a special development strand of the Fondúireacht for the boards. FSMD is a partnership scheme dedicated to increasing the presence and use of Irish in GAA clubs throughout the country.

The awards recognise the clubs’ ongoing efforts to integrate Irish into their activities and to foster its growth among their members and communities.

The Cork clubs were Raonaithe Cairbre (Carbery Rangers GAC) and Fánaithe an Ruiséaligh (Russell Rovers) and both achieved boinn cré-umha (bronze) awards.

The sports and entertainment broadcaster Gráinne McElwain, who was bean an tí for the awards ceremony, announced the three clubs that achieved boinn óir (gold), the 13 clubs that achieved boinn airgid (silver), and the 37 clubs that achieved boinn cré-umha (bronze) this year. 

After the ceremony, Cáit Ní Choirbhín, FSMD manager, said putting Irish at the heart of club life was a long-term project, and the awards were a recognition of that work.

Partnership

“We are seeing more clubs every year planning carefully, using Irish on a daily basis, and bringing people with them,” she said.

“This success would not be possible without the strong partnership between the clubs themselves, Glór na nGael and Croke Park.”

The event marked the culmination of a year in which the presence and status of Irish were actively promoted in the clubs and the communities in which they are based.

Heartfelt thanks 

Speaking from the stage, cathaoirleach of the GAA Coiste Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, Áine Uí Choinn, expressed heartfelt thanks to the people working in the clubs, especially the oifigigh Gaeilge (Irish officers).

“You are the ones doing the really vital work on the ground, encouraging Irish in every activity from the games to the meetings, from social media — and there is fantastic work happening on social media — to the community events you organise,” she said.