We need to create spaces for speaking Irish

I refer to an editorial headline in the Irish Examiner recently: “Flogging An Capall Marbh”.

I suppose I agree with lot of the sentiments expressed therein and the suggestion that the Irish language should become “a shared bond rather than a flag”.

There is no platform ‘compórdach’ to allow us to communicate as Gaeilge in the public arena and to have access to public services using the cúpla focal.

Is the huge privilege enjoyed by students or teachers of Gaelscoileanna to be confined to themselves or can they continue to chat and socialise in Irish outside the school gates?

I think it is time to honour the slogan ‘labhair Gaeilge linn’ and, rather than having it as a colourful poster, aim at creating a ‘céad míle fáilte’ home where Irish speakers can converse and nourish their fluency in a sociable atmosphere, ar ár sáimhín só.

Le grá don Ghaeilge

Eilís Uí Bhriain

Caisleán Uí liatháin

Co. Chorcaí