In attendance, from left, Áine Uí Choinn, Cathaoirleach Choiste Náisiúnta Garilge, CLG, Mairéad Ní Thiománaigh, Gael Linn, Seán Ó Ceallaigh, Gael Linn, Dublin hurler Fergal Whitely and Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns during the annoucement of the GAA’s Ambasadóir na Gaeilge for 2025 at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile.
By John Harrington
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns, announced at an event in Croke Park today that Dublin hurler, Fergal Whitely, is the GAA’s Irish Language Ambassador for 2025.
As part of his role Fergal will support and help promote GAA Irish language schemes, initiatives, and events such as Cuaille (the GAA’s online Irish language magazine), Fondúireach Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha, and the GAAgaeilge Go Games that will be taking place in Croke Park later this year.
Since making his Dublin debut back in 2017, Fergal has gone on to become a mainstay of the team in attack.
The Kilmacud Crokes star has also won two county senior championships with his club, defeating reigning All-Ireland champions Na Fianna in both finals.
A primary school teacher in Scoil San Treasa in Mount Merrion and a talented Uileann piper as well as a hurler, he’s proud to succeed Galway footballer Paul Conroy (2022), Clare hurler Paul Flanagan (2023), and Kerry footballer Seán O’Shea (2023) as Ambasadóir Gaeilge CLG.
"The Irish language and GAA are intertwined and it's so important that we use the GAA to protect the Irish language because it's part of who we are,” said Whitely today.
“For the generations to come it's so important that we continue to promote the Irish language.
“On my club team over half the players all speak Irish and with Dublin too there are players from five different clubs who all speak Irish and a lot of them would have went to my secondary school, Coláiste Eoin.
“There are players on our team who also play traditional music like me and we've all grown up playing hurling, playing traditional music, and speaking Irish. It means everything to us, so this role is something I’m really looking forward to.”