I was an English-speaking blow-in in the Gaeltacht — here's how I got a grá for the teanga

A native of Inis Mór, Megan Roantree knew she was different as a child — her parents didn't speak Irish. Here, she shares how the kindness of the Gaeltacht community nurtured her grá for the teanga

Megan Roantree on the cliffs in Inis Mór

I distinctly remember approaching my teacher at the top of the class on my first day of school. I cleared my throat, tugged on her top and said, “Can you say the words in English ‘cause I don’t have very good Irish?”

The múinteor gave an affectionate laugh and told me not to worry. The class continued, almost completely as Gaeilge.