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"Coming to Grips with Gaelic" The New
York Times, Sunday, September 3, 1989. By Zane Berkins, Senior Writer in the Press Office of New York University. "A quixotic pursuit in a remote corner
of Donegal. Just what prompted me to devote a week-almost 50 rigorous
hours of class time-to the study of the Irish language at the Oideas Gael
summer school in Glencolmcille, Donegal, I cannot fully explain..." Read
the article here.
The
Irish Language: An Overview and Guide, by
Darerca Ní Chartúir. This book, released January 2002
by Avena Press, provides a wealth of information to all those interested
in the language. And its appendix contains a story written for the book
by an American who attended a summer course at Oideas Gael. The story
gives a vibrant description of his experiences at the school. Read
it here.
"Irish
Language School Superb Cultural Experience" See
review at: Celtic
Connection, by Jane Kinnegal, May 1998, Vancouver B.C.
"A
tradition that's hard to keep down"...An
increasing number of Protestants are showing an interest in the Irish
language, a language that they regard as being part of their own heritage...
Says Liam 'Peoples' reasons for learning Irish are as varied as
the people who come to us... During the summer, Gleann Cholm Cille takes
on a truly international flavour, with people from countries like America,
Germany, Austria, France and Japan...A little taste of heaven... Newsletter, Belfast. Monday, July 22, 1996. Ian Malcolm.
"Sharing
a Learning Experience" Oideas Gael is proud of the advanced
techniques used by the teachers on its courses and many of the Irish language
teachers, based in Britain, have spent a week or two in Glencolmcille
to see how they do things there. Liam Ó Cuinneagáin said
to me, "It was tremendous to see the level of interest that exists
in England. People who learn the language there, despite the difficulties
involved, are an example to the people of Ireland." The
Irish Post, London. 12 May, 1990.
"Ar
son na cúise—ag foghlaim Gaeilge i nGleann Cholm Cille" Lá grianmhar eile... deas te arís, dochreidte, seo é
Gleann Cholm Cille in Aibreán; bíonn sé grianmhar
lá i ndiaidh lae... LÁ, Béal Feirste. 29 Aibreán
1993. Steve Mc Greil.
"The
Lost Language of the Celts" ...Over in the corner of the
pub I saw a stocky local lad, sunk low on a stool, nursing his pint. He
was the epitome of Irish reserve, hiding his blunt face from the crowd,
as his fellow men and women crowed, "C' mon Jimmy, give us a song".
After a few minutes of gentle coercion, Jimmy slowly drained his beer,
stood up and began singing The Ballad of Glencolmcille, his throaty
treble crooning a Gaelic love song to his birthplace. The
Globe and Mail, Toronto. Saturday, August 8, 1998. John
McMillan.
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"Use
of strong language"... Remote as Glencolmcille is, observes
Charles Lysaght, it attracts a diverse gathering of people to Donegal
each year, wishing to immerse themselves in Irish language and culture...
In a place like Glencolmcille the joy and laughter of that pure-souled
enthusiasm is rekindled. It is one of the most enriching experiences I
have come across in this country. Sunday Independent, Dublin. July 7, 1996. Charles Lysaght.
"Reminiscing
on the summers of their youth, adults come to Glencolmcille to learn Irish...and
find romance" ...Young, free agus singil... Even set dancing can vertically express
a sexual desire'. Djinn Gallagher travelled to Oideas Gael in County
Donegal, "and had as much fun as you can have with your clothes on...
outside in the warm starry night, the students exchange addresses and
feel sad". The Sunday Tribune, Dublin. 17 July 1994. Djinn Gallagher.
"Forget
the stereotypes—At least they can't say, 'No one shouted
stop'"... In the magic valley of Glencolmcille in south
Donegal, a second community project is under way which has as one of its
many aims the staunching of the death-wound, which has bled this isolated
society of so much... Fortnight Magazine, Belfast. July/August 1993. Victoria White
"Captivating
Irish Village a rarefied retreat"...
It's a special place in an unspoiled environment-an escape from the
clamour and pollution of cities for Irish and foreigners alike. The captivating
landscape is dominated by sheer cliffs and a restless Atlantic The
Toronto Star, Saturday, July 1, 1989. Donna Maloney.
"The
Glen where visions are born"... In the heady days of summer,
Joseph Fitzpatrick followed the footsteps of Colmcille to Donegal to learn
Irish and came home with an inspiration for life... At Oideas Gael I met
in a week more nationalities and personalities than I would normally experience
in a year... Liam says of Oideas Gael, "It has to be the most amazing
experience of my life. People are drawn to what we are doing. There is
an enrichment that brings people back year after year." The
Irish News, Belfast. Saturday, November 22, 1997. Joseph Fitzpatrick.
"Is mise Xavi agus is as Catalunya me." Just a few words to say that last August I attended a course on Irish for absolute beginners at Oideas Gael. The quality of the teaching was excellent and the atmosphere was beyond compare. Lovely Irish music everywhere, good-humoured dances at the ceili, beautiful landscapes and friendly people always willing to talk to you. Go raibh math agat. |
