by Alan Jacques
LIMERICK’S Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ have been recognised for flying the flag for the Irish language.
The South Circular Road school added another national recognition to its awards list after Minister of State Joe McHugh presented the school with its Gaelbhratach – an acknowledgement of its efforts to promote Irish outside the classroom.
After recently being rated in this year’s Sunday Times League Tables as Ireland’s number one school, Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ has now become the first in Limerick to be awarded the Gaelbhratach flag. The initiative supported by Gael-Linn, Conradh na Gaeilge and Foras na Gaeilge promotes the use of conversational Irish in secondary and primary schools.
Principal Aedín Ní Bhriain said that Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ is always looking at ways to promote the language.
“Gaelbhratach is a new and exciting venture for us and we are always looking to do new things,” she enthused.
“We take pride in giving our students a sense of who they are and a sense of pride in their language, faith and culture. We are very proud of each and every student.”
Speaking as he presented the Gaelbhratach flag to the school, Minister Joe McHugh said that a wide range of fun activities were organised through the medium of Irish including inter-schools quiz, music, song, dance, sports drama and culture days.
