Is é seo cuntas achomair ar an choicís iontach a chaith mé ag foghlaim Gaeilge i nGleann Cholm Cille (Contae Dhún na nGall) i rith an tsamhraidh seo.   This is a short account of the amazing fortnight I spent learning Irish in Glencolmcille (County Donegal) this summer. 

I never had the chance to learn Irish at school, and only started during the pandemic.  Our own Centre’s Irish classes have started again this autumn, so if you’ve been nursing the thought that you might start learning or reconnecting with the teanga na tíre, this might be the time to act.  For me, learning Irish has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. 

My course was with Oideas Gael (http://www.oideas-gael.com/en/irish-courses/), which specialises in language and cultural courses for adults at all levels of Irish-speaking.  It is an impressive organisation, combining high standards of tuition with a really friendly and supportive environment.  The summer courses are mostly based in the Glencolmcille Gaeltacht on the west coast, but there is also a fortnight of classes in Glenfinn near Ballybofey (Gleann Fhinne, in aice le Bealach Féich) and a week on Tory Island (An t-Oileán Thoraí).  I did a week in Glenfinn last year, and really enjoyed it, particularly as it is on the doorstep of the stunning Bluestack Mountains (na Cruacha Gorma).  But I was keen this year to spend a bit longer and to see Glencolmcille. 

There are eight levels of class in Glencolmcille and four in the other locations.  This means they can accommodate a wide range of experience, from complete beginner to fluent.  The approach in the classes varies with the level and the individual teacher, and will certainly include some grammar and writing later on, but all levels principally emphasise speaking and hearing Irish as much as possible.  It felt to me like a really safe place to just have a go – there was no shame in making mistakes and no problem using English if I needed to.   All announcements were in Irish and English, so even complete beginners knew what was happening.

The classes were three hours in the morning and two in the afternoon.  If you threw yourself into them they were tiring sessions, but they started to feel more manageable after a couple of days.  The advantage of a week or a fortnight in the Gaeltacht is that there was time to relax into speaking and listening, and to keep reinforcing learning. 

There were also cultural activities every evening, where attendance was encouraged but not compulsory.  These included a ceilidhe, poetry and singing evenings (oícheanta filíochta agus amhránaíochta), and a performance by two famous local flautists (father and daughter).  Here in England people can be quite reluctant to play, recite or sing in front of others, but I hardly need to tell this audience that in Ireland it is really encouraged, and you don’t have to be brilliant.  There was a strong sense that the most important thing was to contribute and to have a go – just like in the language classes.   I should also say that Roarty’s Bar in the town centre has a lively traditional music scene, with sessions every night from 10pm and encouragement to anyone who can play to join in. 

There is a huge amount to see in the area as well, including tombs dating from 3000BC, ruins associated with Colm Cille himself, and watchtowers from the time of the Napoleonic wars.  The centre is also close to Sliabh Liag, which vies with the Cliffs of Moher for the title of highest sea-cliffs in Europe (apparently it all depends on whether you count cliffs that extend below the water-line).  I last visited Sliabh Liag nearly thirty years ago, and found the cliffs no less stunning this time.  And unlike the Cliffs of Moher, you don’t have to elbow half the tourist population of Ireland out of the way to see them. 

As well as its language classes, Oideas Gael has some sort of cultural course running most weeks as well.  One of the guys in my language class the first week went on to do the flute and tin-whistle course the week after.  He could equally have joined the walking group running in parallel.  The cultural courses centre around traditional arts and crafts and helping people to understand the landscape and history around them – so they might be ideal if you have a spouse or partner who wants to visit Donegal but doesn’t want to do an Irish language course  … yet.  

I really loved my time in Glencolmcille.  A fortnight in the Gaeltacht made me reflect again on why I am learning Irish and what I get out of it.   At a simple but yet profound level, understanding the language makes me feel much more connected to Ireland itself.  Placenames and geographic features are no longer just sounds to me but a route to reading the landscape and the country’s history.  Donegal is Dún na nGall, the Fort of the Foreigners (and so a reminder of the Viking presence in Ireland).  It is also Tír Chonaill, Conall’s Land (and so a reminder of when the old Uí Néill lands were split between Conall and Eoghan (so Tír Eoghain, Tyrone). 

An intensive summer course of this nature makes a big difference to anyone’s ability to speak Irish.  But it is also really important to have a regular routine of classes, practice and home study during the year to maintain progress and keep the fire burning.  Bain usáid as nó caill é – use it or lose it, as one of my teachers said.  So, coming back to where I started, why not try our Irish language lessons this autumn.  And if they don’t suit your timetable, there are plenty of classes at City Lit and other institutions that provide structured learning for different levels. 

And once you get going, London is actually one of the best cities on these islands for practising.  There are lots of Irish speakers here, with at least four conversation circles a month that I am aware of, plus a Irish-language board-games evening (who knew?) and a poetry group.  I have found the people at classes and in conversation groups to be just as enthusiastic, friendly and encouraging as you would expect Irish people to be. There is a genuine sense of community and human connection amongst the people who love and cherish our native language, and in the end maybe that is what means the most to me and why I keep learning. 

The post An Irish Summer appeared first on Lewisham Irish.

• Deb Browne – Caseworker / Adviser based at the Lewisham Irish Centre
• Mary McDonagh – Outreach/Adviser working in Lewisham, Bromley & Croydon
• Jack Emsden – Wellbeing Officer working with the Irish Elderly

Please join us in welcoming our new team members! We look forward to the impact they will have on our community

An introduction from Jack

Hi, I’m Jack and I’ve recently joined the Irish Centre as a Wellbeing Officer. 

I’ve lived in Lewisham for the last decade, and I love the wonderful, diverse communities here. I want to do everything I can to support communities at the Lewisham Irish Centre to thrive! 

I used to work at St Christopher’s Hospice, where I supported people 1-1 and through peer groups to talk about experiences of death, dying and loss, including those with a terminal illness or caring for a loved one. 

Here at the Irish Centre, I’ll be working directly with community members to support mental and physical wellbeing. If you’re struggling emotionally, experiencing bereavement, family issues, feeling lonely, or would just like someone to talk to, I’m here to help! 

I can meet with you at the centre, in hospital or at your home, to find out what you need support with, any challenges you may be facing, and any change you would like to make in your life. We will work together to achieve this change, by setting short term and long term goals, and building strong relationships.  I can also direct you to other groups, services, and support networks, which may help you. 

If you’d like to meet for an initial chat to tell me what’s going on for you, you can email me at jack@lewishamirish.org.uk.

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We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our community in Lewisham a very Happy New Year. It’s been another busy year for the charity and we’ve been reflecting on some of our biggest achievements this year.

Some of our highlights include 

Official reopening of LICC following internal refurbishment by Lewisham Council 

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations from Trafalgar Square St. Patrick’s Day Parade 

Our AGM in April when we elected a new board of trustees.

Development of LICC Welfare Team- we welcomed two new members of staff; Brian Hughes and Francesca Cook

Celebrating Cultural Week with Holbeach Primary School thanks to Jessica, Jean and members of our Elders Group 

Launch of partnership with Lewisham Community Connections delivering weekly drop-in from the Centre 

Welcoming Sean Fleming Minister for the Irish diaspora

Two new trustees joined our board, Dervla O’Shea and Martina O’ Sullivan

Introducing Catford Stomp a regular dance event at the Centre

Launch of Lewisham Foodcycle’s Wednesday Lunch, in partnership with the Centre 

LICC Christmas events included Elder’s Christmas lunch, Christmas Party, fundraising concert and delivery of Christmas Hampers made possible by a kind donation within the community

Thank you

Thanks for all your support in 2023, we wouldn’t be able to do it without you.

Special thanks to our funders, hall hirers and kind donations from the community who enable our team to deliver advice and advocacy to the community and facilitate activities and events to improve health and wellbeing. 

We look forward to the year ahead, offices re-open on the 3rd January providing advice and support and all groups and classes return on Monday 8th January 2024.

The post A year in review – 2023 appeared first on Lewisham Irish.

The Charity was pleased to report the expansion of their Irish welfare services thanks to Irish Government funding and five year grant award from the City Bridge Trust.

We were delighted that Damian Egan Mayor of Lewisham officially reopened the event cutting the green ribbon to mark the special occasion. Kate O’ Sullivan from the Irish Embassy congratulated the Centre on their work and support towards the Irish Community for the past 30 years. Irish in Britain representative Susan Cahill introduced their 50^th year heritage project encouraging the Irish community in Lewisham to participate in preserving the life stories of people of Irish heritage in Britain and the valuable contribution they have made through the recording and archiving of oral history interviews.

Finally, Colum Mackey (Chair of Trustees) and Kathleen Sheridan (CEO) thanked Lewisham Council for their support and commitment to the Irish community particularly the recent extensive refurbishments to the building. They also thanked the community of over 100 guests on the day for their continued support.

The evening concluded with music, song and dancing from Chloe Edwards-Wood and Michael O’ Hagan.

The post <strong>Lewisham Irish Community Centre Reopening</strong> appeared first on Lewisham Irish.

St Patrick’s Day 2023 is just around the corner and we’re set to celebrate with friends.

St Patrick’s Day Parade – London

12th March from 1030am – 1pm

We’re walking in the St Patrick’s Day Parade this year in London on Sunday 12th March.

Sign up to join us on the day

Irish Elders & Friends St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Lunch

Thursday 16^th March from 1pm -5pm

Lunch of Roast Beef or Poached Salmon Lunch

Followed by music with Michael O’ Hagan from 2pm

This event is for Lewisham Irish Elders and friends.

Members of Irish Elders group cost £10

Non-members £15

Please book your lunch in advance by emailing Manager@lewishamirish.org.uk or calling 07956509033

St. Patrick’s Day Brunch

Friday 17^th March – 11-1.30pm

Join us for Irish Brunch on St. Patrick’s Day, all are welcome old friends and new

11:00am St. Patrick’s Day Mass with Canon John Kavanagh
12:00noon Followed by Irish Stew Soda Bread lunch

Irish songs & music with Peter Klauber

This event is free but please reserve a ticket or email manager@lewishamirish.org.uk / call 07956509033

Lewisham Irish Community Centre’s AGM 

Friday 31^st March – 2pm – 6pm

We invite you all to a special re-opening event from 3pm -6pm

We will be launching our new program of events for the Summer.

Join is for an evening of music, song and dance

All are welcome

The post St Patrick’s Day Festival 2023 appeared first on Lewisham Irish.

Celebrate the Irish in Britain this St Patrick’s Day with a cuppa
and good company at the Migration Museum.
– Toast Ireland’s patron saint with free tea and coffee, plus a
selection of Irish treats.
– Join a tour highlighting Irish stories past and present from our
exhibitions.
– Share your experiences of migration, whether from the
Emerald Isle – or elsewhere.
– Enjoy bingo – with an Irish twist! There are prizes to be won…

No booking is needed – everyone welcome.

Migration Museum
Lewisham Shopping Centre (Central Square)
London SE13 7HB
www.migrationmuseum.org

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Friday 31^st March – 2pm – 6pm

We’ll be celebrating the work of the center over the past year, and electing our trustees followed by a celebration to formally mark the reopening of the centre.

The extensive refurbishment of the Centre are well underway with external repairs, new bathrooms and kitchen and redecoration of the main hall area started.

We’re looking forward to formally welcoming everyone back and raising a glass to the future. Join us for an evening of music, song and dance.

We are having a re-opening event after 2pm on Friday 31 March, you can reserve a ticket below

All are welcome

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This new, free coaching service, individuals can explore their personal or professional development, career options, or talk through life transitions. The service offers a safe and confidential space for individuals to discuss their aspirations, challenges, and explore possibilities with a coach.

Please contact Kathleen Sheridan to book an initial meeting

manager@lewishamirish.org.uk

 07956509033

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We were delighted to announce that we have received five-year funding from the City Bridge Trust to support our welfare advice services.

The impact of this new funding will be significant, allowing us to provide support to even more individuals and families who need it.

Our welfare advice service provides culturally sensitive advice for many people who may be facing difficult and complex situations. They provide a lifeline to those who are struggling to navigate a range of issues including benefits entitlement queries, accessing housing. pensions and passport advice.

Thanks to the new grant, the charity will be able to expand the services, reach more people and make a bigger impact on the community. Our team of experts will be able to provide invaluable advice and support to those who need it most, helping them to overcome challenges and improve their lives.

We want to thank the City Bridge Trust for recognising the vital importance of this service. Together, we can make a difference and empower those who need it most.

If you need to access our advice service you can email or call using the numbers below

advice@lewishamirish.org.uk

07903151348

The post City Bridge Funding Awarded appeared first on Lewisham Irish.

We’re walking in the St Patrick’s Day Parade this year in London, Sunday 12th March. Approx 10.30am – 1.30pm

We’d love you to join us! You can come as a group or by yourself 

Leave us your details and we’ll get in touch with details on where to meet us

The post St Patrick’s Day Parade 2023 appeared first on Lewisham Irish.