Former teacher and Oideas Gael founder Liam Ó Cuinneagáin shares the story of how he grew the Irish language and cultural learning centre into one of the most successful and well-attended institutions in any of Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions. This is the concluding and second part.
Conversation includes: starting up the first Irish language courses with Seosamh Watson; Liam being separated physically from the Troubles in the six counties; the first people on the early courses; Fr. McDyer’s Irish levels; John Heron; Downings; the immersive system of learning; the structure of the day; Milwaukee Irish Fest; World Trade Center Bombing 1993; Patrick Campbell; why people are attracted to coming to Oideas Gael; the quality of the teaching staff; Siobhán Ní Churraighín; Rónán Ó Dochartaigh; the topography of the west of Ireland; Brendan Lyons and the International Fund for Ireland; acquiring the land on which to build the school; Máire Brennan; Mary McAleese attending the course during her presidency; Ray McManus; Foras Na Gaeilge; Daniel O’Donnell and Mary McAleese breaking and entering into Oideas Gael; dealing with banks; Broca's area; Enjoy Irish! by Eithne Ní Ghallchobhair; Gael Linn and other topics.
Music in the background from Eibhlis Farrell and Ray McManus in rehearsal as well as the sean-nós singing class of Gearóidín Breathnach which were happening in two classrooms concurrently.
Recorded on Tuesday 29th July 2025 - 2 days after Donegal competed against Kerry in the All-Ireland football final.
Links
","author_name":"Fender Jackson"}