'Beidh tú Alright – An Irish Language Journey' at Donegal County Museum

In July 2014, Joe McHugh TD was appointed as Minister for Natural Resources, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, despite having limited Irish

placeholder image — In July 2014, Joe McHugh TD was appointed as Minister for Natural Resources, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, despite having limited Irish

Joe McHugh faced not only emotional and intellectual struggles, but he also rediscovered and found how the Irish language connects us to our heritage, our sense of place and our own identity

On Wednesday 30 April at 12.30pm, Donegal County Museum invites you to join them for a conversation with Joe McHugh as he discusses the daunting task of mastering Irish as an adult and his eventual love of the language.

In July 2014, Joe McHugh TD was appointed as Minister for Natural Resources, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, despite having limited Irish. The outcry from the Irish-speaking community was immediate, with protestors chanting ‘Aire gan teanga, Aire gan clue’ (A Minister without a language is a Minister without a clue) outside Government Buildings.

But, instead of retreating Joe embraced this personal and public challenge and embarked on the daunting journey to become a fluent Irish speaker. He faced not only emotional and intellectual struggles, but he rediscovered and found how the Irish language connects us to our heritage, our sense of place and our own identity. Joe hopes his personal journey will inspire both those who have yet to start their Irish language journey and inspire those who may have once given up – along with discovering the importance of our cultural heritage and the joy of lifelong learning.

Admission free. All are welcome. For bookings contact Donegal County Museum, High Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal. T 074 9124613 E [email protected]

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Ar an gCéadaoin 30 Aibreán ag 12.30, tugann Mhusaem Chontae Dhún na nGall cuireadh duit a bheith páirteach leo le haghaidh comhrá le Joe McHugh agus é ag plé an tasc dushlánach a bhaineann le máistreacht a bhaint amach ar an nGaeilge mar dhuine fásta, agus a ghrá don Ghaeilge sa deireadh.

I mí Iúil 2014, ceapadh Joe McHugh, Teachta Dála, ina Aire Stáit sa Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta agus sa Roinn Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha le Freagracht Speisialta as an nGaeltacht agus na hOileáin, in ainneoin go raibh ach Gaeilge teoranta aige. Bhí clampar ann ó phobal na Gaeilge láithreach, agus lucht agóide ag canadh ‘Aire gan teanga, Aire gan clue’ taobh amuigh de Thithe an Rialtais.

Ach, in ionad a bheith ag cúlú, ghlac Joe leis an dúshlán pearsanta agus poiblí seo agus thug sé faoin aistear scanrúil le bheith ina chainteoir líofa Gaeilge. Ní hamháin go raibh streachailt mhothúchánach agus intleachtúil le sárú aige, ach, fuair sé amach conas a nascann an Ghaeilge sinn lenár n-oidhreacht, agus lenár bhféiniúlacht féin.

Tá Joe ag súil go spreagfaidh a thuras pearsanta iad siúd nach bhfuil tar éis a thuras teanga Gaeilge a thosú go fóill, chomh maith le daoine a d\'fhéadfadh a bheith tar éis éirí as roimhe seo – agus chun an tábhacht atá leis an oidhreacht chultúrtha d\'ár sinsear a bhaint amach, agus an pléisiúr atá ann bheith ag foghlaim ar feadh an tsaoil.

Cead isteach saor in aisce.

Tá fáilte roimh chách.

Le haghaidh tuilleadh eolais, déan teagmháil le Músaem Chontae Dhún na nGall, An Bóthar Ard, Leitir Ceanainn, Co Dhún na nGall

Teil: 074 9124613 Ríomhphost: [email protected]