Donegal delight with five clubs honoured at Croke Park awards

The work of GAA clubs towards the Irish language was in the spotlight in Croke Park when Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha awards were presented to 53 clubs from counties all over the country.

Five Donegal clubs - Naomh Muire Íochtar na Rosann CLG, Na Rossa CLG, Na Dúnaibh CLG and Naomh Adhamhnáin CLG, all Bonn Cré-Umha, and An Clochán Liath CLG, Bonn Óir   - were among the proud award recipients. In addition, awards were presented to five County Boards who took part in a special development strand of the Fondúireacht for the boards. 

John Carr from CLG Na Dúnaibh receiving a bronze Seosamh Mac Donncha Irish language award from Lorcán Mac Gabhann, Chief Executive of Glór na nGael, Ciarán Mag Uidhir, Ulster GAA Irish language officer and sports broadcaster, Gráinne McElwain

The sports and entertainment broadcaster Gráinne McElwain, who was bean an tí for the occasion, announced the three clubs that achieved Boinn Óir (gold), the 13 clubs that achieved Boinn Airgid (silver), and the 37 clubs that achieved Boinn Cré-umha (bronze) this year. Three county boards received Boinn Cré-umha (bronze) and two boards received Boinn Airgid (silver).

Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha (FSMD) is a partnership scheme between Glór na nGael and the CLG. The partnership is dedicated to increasing the presence and use of Irish in GAA clubs throughout the country. The awards awarded are evidence of the clubs’ ongoing efforts to integrate Irish into their activities and to foster its growth among their members and communities.

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After the ceremony, Cáit Ní Choirbhín, FSMD Manager, said: “Putting Irish at the heart of club life is a long-term project, and these awards are a recognition of that work. We are seeing more clubs every year planning carefully, using Irish on a daily basis, and bringing people with them. This success would not be possible without the strong partnership between the clubs themselves, Glór na nGael and Croke Park.”

Maureen and Tony Ó hAnnluain from Na Rossa CLG receiving a bronze Seosamh Mac Donncha Irish language award from Lorcán Mac Gabhann, Chief Executive of Glór na nGael, Ciarán Mag Uidhir, Ulster GAA Irish language officer and sports broadcaster, Gráinne McElwain

The event was not just an awards ceremony, but the culmination of a year in which the presence and status of Irish were actively promoted in the clubs and the communities where they are based.

Speaking from the stage, Cathaoirleach of the GAA Coiste Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, Áine Uí Choinn, expressed heartfelt thanks to the people working in the clubs, especially the oifigigh Gaeilge (Irish Officers): “You are the ones doing the really vital work on the ground, encouraging Irish in every activity from the games to the meetings, from social media – and there is fantastic work happening on social media – to the community events you organise.”

Jamie Ó Tuama, Oifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge an CLG (GAA Irish Language Development Officer), said that the GAA is extremely proud of what the clubs are achieving as they promote the language in a strategic way.

Eoin Mac Gairbheith from Naomh Muire, Íochtar na Rosann CLG receiving a bronze Seosamh Mac Donncha Irish language award from Lorcán Mac Gabhann, Chief Executive of Glór na nGael, Ciarán Mag Uidhir, Ulster GAA Irish language officer and sports broadcaster, Gráinne McElwain

“It is truly wonderful to see the clubs here together, celebrating the fruits of their work in nurturing the language through sport," he said. "It is very clear that the guidance and practical support the clubs receive from FSMD is greatly helping to foster and normalise Irish. I would like to acknowledge not only the clubs, but also the work done by the Glór na nGael team, a team that works diligently throughout the year to achieve the aims and objectives of the Fondúireacht."