Dublin hurler Liam Rushe pictured at the #GAAGaeilge launch at Croke Park.
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Seán Ó hÓráin, announced the various projects being undertaken at present by the Association regarding the Irish language in Croke Park on Tuesday, the 30th of October, 2018. He announced the appointments of the GAA’s first fulltime Irish Language Officer, Jamie Ó Tuama. Ó Tuama has worked in Irish language sector for over 20 years and is currently Oifigeach Gaeilge for his club, CLG Dhún Doire in Meath.
The GAA’s continued support for Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha was announced, a scheme that is being administrated in conjunction with Glór na nGael. A series of 4 videos, called ‘Buail Buille don Ghaeilge’, was also launched. Intercounty stars, Cillian O’Connor, Michael Murphy, Tadhg de Búrca and Liam Rushe, who was present at the launch, took part in these videos.
Uachtarán, Sean Ó hÓráin, also announced that bilingual signage was being distributed to every club in the country at present. This is happening as part of a joint venture between the GAA, An Roinn Cultuir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta, Foras na Gaeilge and Glór na nGael. An Roinn Cultuir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta funded the production of the signage.
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Seán Ó hÓráin said: "The Irish language is at heart of the Association and we are better off as an association because of that. Our commitment to the language is clear from our appointment of an Irish language Officer earlier this month – and we wish Jamie Ó Tuama the best of luck in his new role.
"Our commitment to the Irish language is also clear from the joint venture between the GAA, An Roinn Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta, Foras na Gaeilge and Glór na nGael. The result of that coming together can be seen from the bilingual signage that is currently being distributed to clubs throughout the country.
"We are very happy with our partnership with Glór na nGael and with the development of Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha. We wish to see this scheme going from strength to strength in the coming years.
"That there are so many Irish speakers playing our games at the highest level is a great cause of pride to our members. We are very grateful to Cillian O’Connor, Tadhg de Búrca, Liam Rushe and Michael Murphy for taking part in the videos you saw today. These videos will no doubt have a big influence on young people throughout the country."
Cathaoirleach Choiste Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, Seosamh Mac Donncha and Jamie Ó Tuama, An tOifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge, spoke about the work currently being undertaken by the committee as well as the different projects that were launched.
The GAA’s three-year plan for the Irish language will be launched shortly.