Irish Language careers day success

It was organised by Carntogher Community Association and pupils from Coláiste Phádraig, Machaire Rátha, Coláiste Naomh Pól, Cill Ria, Clochar Loreto, Cúil Raithin and Ardscoil Naomh Cholm, Baile na Scríne, all came together for the event.

There was a panel of guest speakers who each shared their own personal experience of working in the Irish language sector, as well as explained the many benefits of bilingualism; that by having two languages you have twice the chance of gaining employment.

The speeches covered the Irish language sector at a local level, the north of Ireland and also a national level. The speeches also included the Irish language at third level education, as well as in the media, business and entertainment sectors.

The guest speakers included, Leonne Ní Loinsigh, Irish language Development Officer for Carntogher and organiser of the event, Ursula Uí Dhonnaile, Líofa Development Officer, Síne Nic Ailí, Conradh na Gaeilge, Greg Toner from Queens University, Caitríona Nic Seoin, Executive Officer: Community and Business from Foras na Gaeilge, Antaine Ó Donnaile, Head of Irish Dept. BBC and also rap musician, sean nós and urban dance entrepreneur, Tura Arutura.

Tomaí Ó Conghaile, TV presenter on Imeall Geal, was excellent as Fear a’ Tí at the event.

“Fantastic! All the teenagers thoroughly enjoyed the Irish Language Careers Day,” said Susan Uí Mhianáin from Clochar Loreto, Cúil Raithin

“They found it extremely informative as well as inspirational.

“It’s clear, there was a lot of work involved organising the event. It was a superb success!”

The information stalls in attendance at the event included; Siopa An Carn, Samhlaigh, Ciste Craoltóireachta Gaeilge, from NI Screen, Líofa from DCAL, Magherafelt District Council, Pobal, Meoin Eile, Conradh na Gaeilge, Foras na Gaeilge, Queen’s University Belfast, University of Ulster and St Mary’s University College.

Carntogher Community Association would like to thank all those involved who made the day a great success; everyone who helped set up for the event, Maghera Leisure centre staff, the schools, both teachers and pupils, the representatives from each of the stalls who travelled to the event, all the guest speakers and also the fear an tí. Carntogher Community Association would like to acknowledge

Foras na Gaeilge who funded this event through Scéim Phobail Ghaeilge.