Askea Boys’ NS embrace a fun-filled Seachtain na Gaeilge

CHILDREN in Askea Boys’ National School were encouraged to use the cúpla focal as well as taking part in brilliant events during Seachtain na Gaeilge, a national festival that celebrates the Irish language and culture.

The events in Askea BNS were organised by teacher Pauline Fahy with the help and support of her colleagues.

Some of the school population are from abroad or have parents who weren’t originally from Ireland, but that didn’t deter the youngsters from throwing themselves into using Gaeilge in their everyday conversation.

“It was a great week and the children had such fun. We all learnt so much. There was a little of everything in it. We encouraged the children to talk as Gaeilge as much as they could, or even use Irish words that they knew in their conversation. We have pupils here from different countries and English wouldn’t be their first language, but they really got involved, too,” said Pauline.

There was much more than language involved in the festivities as each classroom learnt a new song for their very own Glór Factor, like an X Factor competition, while also learning new dances. Students from St Mary’s Academy CBS came in to play a music seisiún, while the pupils learnt a new old Irish saying every day. Mr Corcoran’s class played Mr Morrissey’s class in a game of peil, while Ms Doheny even gave the little ones a yoga class as Gaeilge!

The week’s activities reached a crescendo when the whole school turned emerald for Lá Glas or Green Day. Pauline and fellow teacher Rebecca Spencer painted the children’s faces and decorated the school, while Rebecca organised in inter-school quiz in the Éire Óg clubhouse.

“It was all so enjoyable. The teachers are so supportive of one another. It was a lot of work, but it was great. I’ll do it all again next year,” said Pauline.