Let’s recognise the Irish language at home
He was reacting to comments in a previous letter regarding the money being spent on the Irish language.
I believe Padraig was challenging the statements of an “anti-Irish language fanatic,” and we fall across one of those regularly.
I try to avoid them and stick closely with the volunteers who work tirelessly for the upkeep of the ‘cúpla focal’ and who possess an inherent ‘grá’ for the native tongue.
I am happy to see Irish recognised as important enough to shine forth from the European ‘clár dubh.’
However, I would like to see it getting the recognition it deserves with a trifle more public display here at home.
I think every public service should be able to invite customers and enquirers to converse in Irish.
After all, most public companies or agencies are encouraged to employ an oifigeach Gaeilge who can discharge duties bilingually involving no extra cost to the company or state.
Yet, how many public service desks or counters display for the sign: ‘Gnó tré Gaeilge?’
A small queue would build up occasionally not of ‘fanatics,’ but of the genuine supporters of the preservation of our ‘cúpla focal blas.’
Eilís Uí Bhriain
Caisleán Uí Liatháin
Co Chorcaí
