Conradh na Gaeilge, the national organisation which aims to promote the use of Irish as the standard language of Ireland, was recently re-established in Co. Laois with the formation of a new branch.

On December 4, national officials met with passionate Laois Irish language enthusiasts in the Midlands Park Hotel Portlaoise, to establish Cumann Gaelach Chontae Laoise.

Conradh na Gaeilge currently has 170 branches across the country, and has seen a 400% growth in individual memberships over the past 3 years.

This branch is now run by voluntary officers, who are preparing a plan to further promote the use of spoken Irish in Laois.

Pictured right to left: Tony Haberlin, Seán Ó Grennóin, Micheál Ó Laoighléis (Cisteoir), Clídna de Brún (Oifigeach Caidrimh Phoiblí), Siobhán Uí Chuinn (Cathaoirleach), Tomás Ó Maolagáin (An Runaí), Una Ní Scolaidhe (Leas Runaí), Daniel O’Loughlin agus Gearóid Ó Cuinn. (Not in picture, Sinéad Ní Chuinn (Leas Cathaoirleach).)

Cumann Gaelach Chontae Laoise will have delegates at the Ard Fheis for Conradh na Gaeilge which takes place in Belfast from February 20 to 22 next. This means Laois will join in on a national decision-making level.

"Dubhghlas de hÍde (Douglas Hyde), who was one of the founders of Conradh na Gaeilge in 1893, was later the first President of Ireland," a representative said.

"This resonates with our current President, Catherine Connolly, who also prioritises speaking Gaeilge. In doing so she gives practical expression to a noble cause. Likewise, the new Co. Laois branch will promote the use of our native tongue here in The O’Moore County where once, fadó fadó, it held sway," the group said.

Branch Cathaoirleach Siobhán Uí Chuinn welcomed Laois locals to join the activities as the running of their branch. 

She explained the group's goal to provide more opportunities for Laois locals to use Irish regularly, and to connect the speaking of Irish with every day life. She highlighted that the group strives to strengthen the status of the Irish language across the county.

“Ar son an craobh nuabhunaithe, cuirim fáilte Úi Cheallaigh roimh bhaill nua a bheith páirteach in imeachtaí agus i reáchtáil na craoibhe," said Cathaoirleach Siobhán Uí Chuinn.

"Tá áthas orainn a bheith mar chuid de Chonradh na Gaeilge atá ag dul ó neart go neart le breis is 170 craobh reatha agus fás 400% taghta ar bhallraíocht aonair le 3 bliana anuas," she said.

"Mar a deir an seanfhocal “Ní neart go cur le chéile”. Aithnímid an obair iontach agus an dea-thoil i leith na Gaeilge atá sa chontae cheana féin agus déanfaimid gach iarracht cur leis.

"Ba mhian linn mar chumann Gaelach deiseanna úsáide Gaeilge rialta a chur ar fáil don phobal agus an Ghaeilge a nascadh leis an saol laethúil. Mar thoradh beidh deis ag Gaeilgeoirí aithne a chur ar Ghaeilgeoirí eile agus stádas na Gaeilge a láidriú inár gceantar. Beatha teanga í a labhairt," she finished.

An Runaí, Tomás Ó Moalagáin also encouraged people to take part.

“We want to show that Irish is a living, social language and it belongs to everyone," said Cllr Mulligan.

"You don’t need perfect Irish, just an interest in the language and an open mind. Laois is proud of its thriving Irish community, and we are looking to expand this by making it welcoming and community based. Our main goal is to make Irish friendly and accessible," he said.

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Anyone interested in joining Cumann Gaelach Chontae Laoise or providing support in other ways can contact the Cumann the following email address, cumanngaelachlaoise@cnag.ie., or alternatively their Instagram (cnag_laoise) or their Facebook page Cumann Gaelach Chontae Laoise.