Portlaoise’s first ever Pop Up Gaeltacht went down a resounding success in The Welcome Inn on Thursday 22 March.
It was a chance for Gaeilgeoirí from, ‘an cainteoir dúchais’ to those
wishing to speak a ‘cúpla focal’ gathered to converse in their native tongue.
Similar events have been ‘ag popáil’ all over the country and indeed abroad in recent times in an effort to bring Irish outside of its traditional heartlands and make it accessible for all.
As one young Gaeilgeoir, Niamh Ní Chuinn, put it: “The biggest problem for those interested in Irish is to get ‘an deis cainte’, an opportunity to use the ‘cúpla focal’ in a friendly environment away from the classroom in a relaxed atmosphere.”
Last night’s Pop Up which was represented by a ‘meascán maith’ of different age groups and levels of Irish provided just that opportunity.
As this year is Bliain na Gaeilge 2018, there is a particular focus on community participation.
Pop Up Gaeltacht eile?
Tar éis sin, there was a chorus from all who were theré on the night, saying, “Cathain a bheidh an chéad Pop Up eile?” Watch this space.
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