A journalist with RTÉ’s Six One News shared her experience preparing to deliver a segment in Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, despite limited fluency, as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge, the Irish language and culture festival.
Embracing the Challenge of Speaking Irish
The journalist admitted to feeling fear and hesitation about speaking Irish on live television, recalling a time when her fluency was stronger during her university studies at University College Cork. Twenty-five years later, she decided to embrace the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day by attempting to speak “cúpla focal as Gaeilge” and broadcast in Irish.
Support and Preparation
Help came from Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh and Cleona Ní Chrualaoí, producer of An Cailín Ciúin, who assisted with translations and pronunciation. The journalist utilized voice recordings from her friends while filming a news package on Seachtain na Gaeilge, which was established in 1902.
Initiatives Promoting the Irish Language
Her reporting included a visit to St Anne’s Park in Raheny, where the Binse Comhrá initiative, marking nine benches as focal points for Irish conversation, was launched by the Lord Mayor of Dublin. Plans are in place to expand this to over 20 benches by the end of the year. Daithí de Buitléir from Gaeilge 365, Dublin City Council’s Irish language innovation unit, provided a bi-lingual interview detailing the council’s year-round initiatives.
Inspiring Young Speakers
The journalist also connected with James Knoblauch, Programme Manager in Foraois, a Dublin pilot project encouraging children to use Irish outside of the classroom. She visited Gaelscoil Ghráinne Mhaol in Donaghmede, observing a chess club and interacting with students, including eight-year-old Oliva Finnerty, who spoke Irish with ease. Acknowledging her own limited fluency, she apologized, saying “Níl mo chuid Gaeilge go maith,” but left feeling invigorated by the children’s enthusiasm.
Practicing and Building Confidence
The journalist practiced her pronunciation for a planned piece to camera on Lower Abbey Street, where she found a shop encouraging customers to shop through Irish, displaying a “Labhair Linn” sign. She spent Wednesday speaking Irish with her children and found she enjoyed it. Throughout the week, she received support from family, friends, and colleagues, which boosted her confidence.
Addressing Concerns and Looking Ahead
While some questioned the appropriateness of her undertaking given her Irish level, she noted that most Irish speakers she met were encouraging, believing her efforts would inspire others to speak the language publicly. She apologized in advance for any mispronunciation during the broadcast and expressed her determination to improve, stating, “Guígí rath orm” – wish me luck.
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