05/03/2013
Under 21 Gaelic Football Championship Kicks-Off
Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure Carál Ni Chuilín has launched Seachtain na Gaeilge and the Under 21 Gaelic Football Championship at Parliament Buildings.
Seachtain na Gaeilge is an annual international Irish Language festival. Over the next two weeks more than 800 events are taking place across the world to promote the Irish language.
The Under 21 Gaelic Football Championship begins on 13 March 2013.
The Minister said: "It is a huge honour for me to launch Seachtain na Gaeilge 2013 and at the same time welcome so many of our promising Gaelic Footballers to Stormont.
"Since 1902, Seachtain na Gaeilge has been a feature in the Irish cultural calendar and over that time it has grown from strength to strength. Here in Belfast, across the north and as far away as Australia and America Irish language enthusiasts will be joining conversation groups, and taking part in quizzes and concerts - all in celebration of the language.
"The Irish language is a key part of defining who we are. It is one of the oldest written languages in the world. It is part of the fabric of our society which we see in the place-names around us.
"Through the Líofa initiative which I launched almost 18 months ago, I am determined to play my part in ensuring that the Irish language is something which can be shared and enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and traditions. Already 3,617 people have signed up to Líofa and have made the commitment to become fluent in Irish by 2015.
"Also joining in our celebrations today are representatives from all the Under 21 Ulster county teams who are about to take part in the 50th Under 21 Football Championship. Your skill and expertise on the field of play over the next few weeks will inspire many generations to come."
(GK)
Seachtain na Gaeilge is an annual international Irish Language festival. Over the next two weeks more than 800 events are taking place across the world to promote the Irish language.
The Under 21 Gaelic Football Championship begins on 13 March 2013.
The Minister said: "It is a huge honour for me to launch Seachtain na Gaeilge 2013 and at the same time welcome so many of our promising Gaelic Footballers to Stormont.
"Since 1902, Seachtain na Gaeilge has been a feature in the Irish cultural calendar and over that time it has grown from strength to strength. Here in Belfast, across the north and as far away as Australia and America Irish language enthusiasts will be joining conversation groups, and taking part in quizzes and concerts - all in celebration of the language.
"The Irish language is a key part of defining who we are. It is one of the oldest written languages in the world. It is part of the fabric of our society which we see in the place-names around us.
"Through the Líofa initiative which I launched almost 18 months ago, I am determined to play my part in ensuring that the Irish language is something which can be shared and enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and traditions. Already 3,617 people have signed up to Líofa and have made the commitment to become fluent in Irish by 2015.
"Also joining in our celebrations today are representatives from all the Under 21 Ulster county teams who are about to take part in the 50th Under 21 Football Championship. Your skill and expertise on the field of play over the next few weeks will inspire many generations to come."
(GK)
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