The joys of a midweek lunch with 11 Gaelgeoirs

Last Thursday, May 7 between the hours of 1pm and 2pm, I experienced a most traumatic situation while attending a ‘Lón Gaeilge’ in The Western Strands Hotel, Belmullet, Co Mayo.

For the uninitiated, the occasion was a lunch where the conversation was conducted in Irish.

My first shock came when I realised that I was the only person present in a group of 12 who was not actually bilingual. My second was when I discovered the youngest person there — aged four I’d guess — who was happily colouring a picture book, knew more Irish than I did.

I don’t know if he knew how close he came, to me taking away his book and colouring it myself to hide my embarrassment. I suspect he did.

The closest analogy to what I felt was comparable to being hit on the funny bone, except I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Having said that, I am looking forward immensely to next month for another instalment, as I found the people and the language made the happening absolutely magical; and all for only €5 including soup and sandwich, but to me it was priceless. And yes, I will be bringing my adult colouring book with me to next one.

Liam Power

Srahanarry

Bangor Erris

Ballina

Co Mayo