Hensey radio show has re-awakened my Irish

For years, I had convinced myself that I was unable to understand Irish. Then, I discovered Raidió Na Gaeltachta, or, rather, I heard Áine Hensey presenting a late-night radio programme, called An Ghealach Ghorm, and my ears were opened.

Suddenly, I was transported back 50 years to a short period I spent in a local school in Glencastle, Co. Mayo, before I moved to Dublin: Ms. Hensey’s Irish and enunciation are so exquisite as to make understanding almost unnecessary, but I suddenly found that all the Irish I had picked up in those few short months came flooding back to life.

Ms Hensey is now presenting a programme — Binnneas Béil — on RnaG daily from 2pm to 4pm. I would recommend anybody with the least interest in hearing simple Irish spoken well to tune in — her choice of music is also eclectic and exceptionally good.