The recently formed Cumann Gaelach Chontae Laoise have been blown away by the amount of Laois locals attending their first Caife agus Comhrá event.

The new local branch of Conradh na Gaeilge, Cumann Gaelach Chontae Laoise, held a successful opening event in the Dunamise Arts Centre in Portlaoise on Saturday February 28.

This was the first of a series of ‘Caife agus Comhrá’ where Irish is the spoken language with all levels accommodated.

The event saw over 40 people of all ages in attendance, with some travelling from Clonaslee, Killenard, Vicarstown, and even from Kinnity in Co Offaly.

Pictured: Colm Ó Tuathail, Clíodhna Nic Gearailt, Micheál O Laoighléis agus Séamus Mac Gearailt

The coffee shop in the Dunamaise Arts Centre was set aside for the occasion, with an array of Irish language books and posters on display.

Laois locals ordered their beverages as Gaeilge, a unique experience for many.

"As enthusiastic local people enjoyed speaking their native tongue, nothing could have been further from the drudgery of rote learning notes for a state exam," a representative of Cumann Gaelach Chontae Laoise told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"The levels of Gaeilge ranged from the fluent, including a native speaker, to those who are seeking to improve their ability by listening and practising their ‘cúpla focal’.

Pictured: Siobhán Uí Chuinn, Niamh Ní Chuinn, Sorcha Ni h-Aimhirgín agus Aine Ni hAberlín

"There were no ‘grammar police’ stunting the flow of conversation, as the relaxed social environment, and helpful approach, provided a natural opportunity to develop language skills," they said.

One attendee was Rachel Áine Ní Mharascáil who is Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge for the Students’ Union at Ollscoil na Gaillimhe.

She explained that she immensly enjoyed the opportunity to use Gaeilge in her native town.

“Thaitin sé go mór liom mo chuid Ghaeilge a úsáid I mo bhaile dúchais," she said.

Bean Ní Mharascáil said that she was delighted to hear her parents speaking Irish. “Chuir sé gliondar ar mo chroí agus mé ag éisteacht le mo thuistíag úsáid a cúpla focal," she said.

Another person to enjoy the event was Colm Ó Tuathail who is a close observer of attempts to develop the use of Irish nationally. He said that the experience was “ go hálainn ar fad” and says that he made new friends as well as meeting old
ones.

Pictured: Sorcha Ni Chuileann agus Clíodhna Nic Gearailt

An tUasal Ó Tuathail is looking forward to the next Caife agus Comhrá and is encouraging others to go.

“Tá mé ag súil leis an gcéad chruinniú eile agus b’fhéidir go dtiocfaidh tú? Bain triail as," he said.

Teresa de Brún stated that she was somewhat apprehensive about attending as she isn’t a fluent Irish speaker, but the experience gave her confidence.

“I really enjoyed the chat and soon realised that this type of event would give me the confidence to speak ‘as Gaeilge’," Bean de Brún said.

She was reassured by what she described as an “atmaisféar an- suimhneach agus fáilteach.”

Siobháin Uí Chuinn, Cathaoirleach of Cumann Gaelic Chontae Laoise said she was pleased with the turnout and the positive atmosphere. 

Pictured: Tony Mac Giolla Phádraig agus Bríd Mhic Giolla Phádraig

“B’aoibhinn an fhuaim í an Ghaeilge a chloisteáil sa chaife in Ionad Ealaíonn Dhún Másc ar an Satharn. Bhí atmaisféar beomhar bríomhar ann agus daoine ag cur aithne ar a chéile," she said.

(It was lovely to hear the Irish language in the café at the Dunmow Arts Centre on Saturday. There was a lively and lively atmosphere as people got to know each other).

"Chuir Máire ón Ionad Ealaíonn seirbhís den scoth ar fáil trí mheán na Gaeilge agus bhain idir óg agus aosta an- sult as an ócáid,"  Bean Uí Chuinn praised.

(Máire from the Arts Centre provided an excellent service through the medium of Irish and both young and old enjoyed the event).

"Beidh an chéad “Caife Comhrá” eile ar siúl ar an Satharn 14 Márta, deireadh seachtaine na Féile Pádraig, Tá fáilte roimh chách," Bean Uí Chuinn finished.

(The next 'Caife Comhrá' will be held on Saturday 14 March, the weekend of St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is welcome.)

Further ‘Caife agus Comhrá’ events, will take place in the Dunamaise Arts Centre between 11.00 am and 12.30pm, on Saturday 14 th and 28 th March and on Saturday 11 th April. These are open to all.

Pictured: Colm Ó Tuathail agus Cllr Tomás Ó Maolagáin

In the meantime, An Cumann Gaelach Chontae Laoise is holding an Oíche Sheolta (launch night) this Friday March 6 in De Brún@Humes, Portlaoise.

The event starts at 8pm with a Fáilte followed by a Tráth na gCeist. This quiz is open to everyone, regardless of your level of Irish, and will include several generous prizes sponsored by local businesses.

Cost per participant is €5 (cash only) and all money will go towards the activities of An Cumann Gaelach Chontae Laoise.

The Tráth na gCeist will be followed by a PopUp Gaeltacht (Irish language conversation which occurs monthly) and Seisiún Traidisiúnta (traditional Irish music).

These events are held as part of ‘Seachtain na Gaeilge’ the annual international festival which celebrates Irish language and culture. Held from March 1 to March 17, it is the largest Irish language festival in the world.

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Established in 1902 by Conradh na Gaeilge, then known as the Gaelic League, it was originally a weeklong event but was expanded due to its significance and popularity.

The Gaelic League was established in 1893 to revive the Irish language and de-Anglicise Ireland.