Bringing the Gaeltacht to Castlebar

THIS June, GMIT Castlebar campus will open its doors to host a newly formed coláiste Gaeilge named Coláiste na Muaidhe.

Founded by Eoghain O'Brien, a native of Raftery country in Kiltimagh, the college promises to offer the Gaeltacht experience with a difference.

The traditional Gaeltacht experience for young students involved a long period away from home. Coláiste na Muaidhe, however, promises to bring the Gaeltacht to the students.

Organised in the normal way, with formal classes in the morning and language-based sports and activities in the afternoon, the college will to offer an exciting yet affordable experience to its students without the hassle of leaving home. Students will attend during the day and go home each night.

“A lot of parents are reluctant to allow their young children to attend a Gaeltacht college, especially if they are nervous or shy. At Coláiste na Muaidhe we believe it is better for students to have a positive and relaxed experience while learning Irish, without the stress of leaving home for the first time,” said Eoghain.

Eoghain has been working as an Irish teacher for seven years and has run several Irish colleges, but this is his first venture in his native county.

“I have always been proud to come from a Gaeltacht county. Mayo is bursting with Irish language and culture and there is no reason why we shouldn't have a Gaeltacht college in our county town,” he said.

“It's time for Mayo to reclaim our native language and pass it on to the next generation. Irish is on our doorstep!”

The courses are designed for second-level students from 12 to 18 years and courses focus, in particular, on preparing students for the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate examinations. Courses last for a two-week period and run for the month of June.

To celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge all students who register using the code CONN-TEL will receive €10 off their booking. Go n-éirí libh!