Labhraimid Gaeilge i nDún Garbhán is a new radio series exploring the Irish language revolution taking place in Dungarvan. Since being designated a Gaeltacht Service Town in July 2022, the town has seen a steady rise in Irish language participation. But is this a true revolution? Writer Catherine Foley speaks with locals to uncover the impact of this shift on daily life, work, and the community. Over ten short episodes, airing on WLR at 6:45 PM from Tuesday, March 4th until St. Patrick’s Day, we’ll explore the changes shaping Dungarvan’s linguistic and cultural landscape. Idir an dá linn bímis ag caint Gaeilge ní amháin i nDún Garbhán ach ar fud an chontae.
Episode 1:
Talking to Catherine Foley, presenter of the series, Dónal Ó Conghaile, chairperson of the local Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge language committee, which is responsible for the development of the town’s Irish Language Plan. He speaks about their work and the strong links that exist between the town and the Gaeltacht. And Máire Seó Breathnach, discusses her role as Irish language officer with Waterford City and County Council. Stephen Cass, of Cass & Co, comments on the amount of Irish he hears in his deli on a daily basis.
Episode 2:
On this episode, pharmacist Daragh Connolly talks about his experience of welcoming shoppers into his chemist. Michael Drummy proudly talks about his love of the language and how his place of work, David Walsh Office Supplies, was recently awarded a silver Gradam Gnó for the amount of Irish that is used in the shop. Also, Sam Campbell, originally from South Africa, describes hearing and learning the odd word of Irish in her place of work, Garvey’s Superstore.
Episode 3:
Catherine Foley, presenter of the series, talks to Silvia Uí Sheanlaoich, principal of Scoil Garbháin in Abbeyside, about this all-Irish school which opened its doors 42 years ago, and how its growth and success reflects the wishes and needs of parents in the area who want their children to become fluent in the language. Today, she can do all her business in the town through the medium of Irish as she meets past pupils of this thriving school, which has a current teaching staff of 23.
Episode 4:
Three people who either work or live in Dungarvan town, Jen Uí Dhuibhir, Micheál Ó Maranáin and Jack Lillis discuss the cultural and social events they have attended over the years where Irish is spoken spontaneously and joyfully and always given a prominent position.
Episode 5:
The way social events are recorded and preserved for society and the value of this for future generations is discused by broadcaster and writer Micheál Ó Drisleáin. Another aspect of the preservation of stories is discussed by writer and dramatist; Déaglán Turraoin from An Sean Phobal, who says the Irish language is in constant use even when his plays are being rehearsed by cast members.
Episode 6:
Talking to Catherine Foley, presenter of the series, stall-holders at the weekly Farmers’ Market in Dungarvan’s Grattan Square – Joe Prendergast, who mans Barron’s Bread wagon and Sham Hyland, who sells organic meat, vegetable and honey at his stall, discuss their love of Irish and the opportunities that the market affords them to do business through Irish. They both mention the positive reaction of tourists on hearing Irish being spoken in the town. Nearby in I Eye Opticians, Chris Kelly recalls his own schooldays of learning Irish and describes his joy at hearing members of the public speak Irish amongst themselves when they come into his shop.
Episode 7:
Stefanie Stude, a German woman who came to live in Dungarvan some years ago, tells how she has seen a significant increase in Irish language usage in Dungarvan since its designation as a Gaeltacht service town three years ago. Now living in An Rinn she is proud that her young son is fluent in three languages – German, English and Irish – and can switch easily from one language to another. Also, we hear from Alice Uí Fhloinn and Cabríní de Barra, a language activist who works in An Rinn, and points to the very strong connections between Dungarvan and the Gaeltacht and the traditional links that bind the two areas.
Episode 8:
Aishling Ní Chrócaigh Uí Shíocháin, a young teacher from An Rinn, talks to Catherine Foley, presenter of the series, about how enthusiastic young people are nowadays about the Irish language and what the challenges are with regard to rearing your child through Irish. Marcas Mac Ruairí, a language activist working in Glór na nGael in Dungarvan, talks about the growing number of young families who are rearing their children through Irish.
Episode 9:
David Kiely, a local undertaker, talks about his life-time of loving Irish and talks about using the language at funerals whenever mourners request it. He says the presence of Irish and Irish prayers at funerals is a regular feature of life in west Waterford. Elaine Dold, who works to promote the Irish language amongst young people, talks about the rising interest in the language and the growing passion and interest in Irish in Dungarvan town.
Episode 10:
Here Bróna Coleman, the Irish language planning officer in Dungarvan responsible for implementing the 7-year language plan, Dúngarbhán le Gaeilge, explains how she is focussing on three main areas in order to nurture more Irish, targeting businesses, the education sector and families. She explains how part of her remit involves organising classes and various social events as well as building an awareness-raising presence on social media. She says that she has found that people are generally pleased agus go mbíonn siad “ag baint taitneamh as a bheith ag caint, ag foghlaim nó fiú amháin a bheith ag éisteacht le daoine atá ag caint Gaeilge”. We also hear from teacher Mary Crowley who runs a ciorcal comhrá in the local library and from one of her students Colette Montgomery.
