Teacher honoured for half century of service to Irish language

A MAN has been honoured for teaching thousands of people to speak in their native tongue over a 50-year period.

Tomás Ó Riordáin got quite a surprise when he attended a Mass in his honour at Scoil na nÓg in Glanmire, for there to meet him were dozens of former colleagues and Minister for Social Protection Éamon Ó Cuív.

“I wanted to be here to pay tribute to Tomás’ 50 years of service to the Irish language. It is dedicated teachers like him who have inspired generations of young people with a love of their language,” said Mr Ó Cuív.