Clubs vote in favour of Irish language motions

A CLAIM that some clubs had “burned” their GAA membership cards because details on them were given in English was made at the Cork convention over the weekend.

East Cork Board secretary and former County Board officer Willie Ring was speaking during a discussion on five motions from Youghal (home club of Association President Christy Cooney), which called for the increased use of Irish in its various forms.

Ring stated that at the beginning of each year clubs are required to furnish details of their membership for the database in Croke Park.

This is now done electronically and the obligation remains for the information to be given ‘as gaeilge,’ he commented. However, in regard to the issuing of membership cards, information was being translated into English.

“I know of one club which refused to issue these cards and have burned them,’’ he said.

Responding to this comment, Ballingeary delegate Bart O’Leary said that while they did not burn their cards, they returned them to Croke Park and got them back ‘in Irish.’

Liam Ó Laochdha, the Board’s current Cultural/Irish office (Oifigeach Cultur/Gaeilge) formally moved the motions, which called for more emphasis on the Irish language over the next 25 years, that cultural officers should have proficiency in Irish and that membership card details should be given in Irish.

“We are not in the business of teaching, but we are in the business of ensuring that Gaeilge is heard and seen,’’ he commented.

The motions were adopted unanimously.