In this bonus episode of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan, host Finghin Mac Cárthaigh (Flor McCarthy) sits down with Réamonn Ó Ciaráin, Chief Executive Officer of Gael Linn, author, educator, and long-time Irish language advocate.
Together, they explore Réamonn’s personal journey with the Irish language, beginning with his childhood in Crossmaglen, his first joyful experiences of learning Irish through school, song, community classes and the GAA, and the powerful influence of teachers, family, and the Gaeltacht on his life.
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Throughout the conversation, Réamonn reflects on his 30-plus years with Gael Linn, the organisation’s role in strengthening and widening the Irish language, and the importance of giving learners real opportunities to use Irish outside the classroom.
This episode reminds us that Irish is not only a school subject or a cultural inheritance, but a living language that continues to inspire people in Ireland and across the world.
This Episode Celebrates:
* The lifelong impact of positive early experiences with Irish
* The work of Gael Linn in promoting and revitalising the language
* The importance of schools, families, communities, and the Gaeltacht
* The growing global interest in Irish among adult learners and new communities
If you’ve ever wondered how Irish can move from the classroom into real life, community, family, creativity, and cultural identity, this conversation offers a deeply thoughtful and inspiring perspective.
Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notifications on future episodes and to access valuable Irish language learning resources.
Podcast Notes
A Childhood Introduction to Irish
Réamonn shares memories of growing up in Crossmaglen, where Irish first came into his life through a dedicated teacher, local GAA classes, songs, prayers, and small but meaningful moments that stayed with him.
The Influence of Teachers, Family, and the Gaeltacht
He reflects on the teachers who inspired him, the respect for Irish within his family, and the powerful effect of spending time in the Gaeltacht as a young teenager.
A Life’s Work with Gael Linn
Réamonn discusses joining Gael Linn in 1993 and how his career developed from cultural schemes to education and eventually to his current role as CEO. He describes the organisation’s mission as strengthening and widening the Irish language in Ireland and abroad.
Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notifications on future episodes and to access valuable Irish language learning resources.
Creating Real Opportunities to Use Irish
The conversation explores Gael Linn’s work through debating, music, public speaking, sports, Gaeltacht experiences, adult classes, online learning, and school initiatives such as Gaelbhratach. Réamonn emphasises that learners need meaningful opportunities to use the Irish they already have.
Policy, Education, and the Future of the Language
Réamonn offers a thoughtful assessment of Irish language policy, education, exemptions, the growth of Gaelscoileanna, and the urgent challenges facing the Gaeltacht. While he recognises serious concerns, he also points to major advances and a growing confidence around the language.
Why Irish Still Matters
Towards the end of the episode, Réamonn reflects on what motivates him: the belief that Irish carries something essential about identity, belonging, heritage, creativity, and spirit. He speaks about the joy of seeing young people, adult learners, and communities reconnecting with the language in new and modern ways.
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Slán tamall,Finghin Mac CárthaighHost – The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan
More on Réamonn Ó Ciaráin
Réamonn Ó Ciaráin is the Chief Executive Officer of Gael Linn, the non-profit organisation dedicated to revitalising and promoting the Irish language and culture. He has been with Gael Linn since 1993 and previously served as Director of Education before becoming CEO.
He is also an author and cultural advocate, having written three books on Cúchulainn and the Ulster Cycle, including Laoch na Laochra and Cúchulainn, Ulster’s Greatest Hero. Réamonn is co-founder and Chairman of Aonach Mhacha, the Irish language cultural centre in Armagh City, and has served on the National Committee for the Irish Language of the GAA.
Learn more:
LinkedIn
Gael Linn
Aonach Mhacha
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