Gaeloideachas, the organisation which supports naíonraí and Irish-medium and Gaeltacht schools and advocates on their behalf, celebrated its 50^th anniversary in the Mansion House in Dublin today among friends and members of the organisation, stalwarts of the sector, and education partners, including Yvonne Keating, Chief Inspector of the Department of Education, accompanied by beautiful music from pupils of Scoil Chaoimhín.

Gaeloideachas was established in 1973 as Gaelscoileanna to support Irish-medium primary and post-primary schools outside of Gaeltacht areas. Since then, and as a result of developments within the sector, the organisation’s role has expanded and it now also provides support services to Gaeltacht schools and naíonraí outside of the Gaeltacht.

As part of the celebratory event, Dr Kerron Ó Luain made a presentation on the history of the movement and of Irish-medium education. Following this, Máirín Ní Chéileachair, former President of Gaeloideachas and Assistant Secretary General of the INTO, launched the organisation’s Strategic Plan for the period 2023-2028. Councillor Deirdre Heney welcomed the crowd on behalf of the Lord Mayor of Dublin.

Bláthnaid ní Ghréacháin, CEO of Gaeloideachas, expressed hearty gratitude to all who took part in the celebration, “a celebration that not only gives us the opportunity to look back on all that we have achieved as an organisation and as a community in Irish-medium education, but also the opportunity to look forward with a new energy and keen understanding of the most effective ways to strengthen the sector.”

“Today’s event was very uplifting, and gave naíonraí, Irish-medium schools, and Gaeltacht schools the opportunity to come together as one community,” said Micheál S. Mac Donnacha, President of Gaeloideachas. “We are really looking forward to continuing the celebrations with our community at our education conference on 10 November.”

“This is an important event for the Irish-medium and Gaeltacht education sector to give recognition to the huge work that has been done by Gaeloideachas and by teachers, parents, and communities across the country over the past 50 years,” said Councillor Deirdre Heney on behalf of the Lord Mayor of Dublin. “Behind every campaign for a new school, there is a strong, dedicated community and I have no doubt that those communities will continue their fantastic work in the future with the support of Gaeloideachas.”

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