ETBI Journal of Education - Vol 2:2 November 2020 (Irish-medium Education)

ETBI Journal of Education November 2020
she had to do was ask. COGG were happy with the
project, and eager to contribute their share to the
funding.
As support grew, hope and spirit grew in the staff
room and over a dozen teachers did not hesitate
to attend a language course in the university.
Those teachers spent a long year learning and
studying in the college. Then they went to Corca
Dhuibhne, where they spent a lively weekend and
improved on what they had learned so far.
Actions speak louder than words. This much
was clear by this point, and while the teachers
were studying, the principal and vice-principal
were spreading the word in the local area. It is
always important that primary school principals
show goodwill for any new secondary school
undertaking. This goodwill adds to the feeling of
solidarity and fellowship, and it was clear before
long that the principals of the primary schools
were just as excited about the project as the
teachers.
Another great friend of the school is Apple,
situated right on the doorstep… they were more
than helpful, generous, energetic and welcoming.
Apple and a member of staff, Éanna Ó Brádaigh,
offered an incredible amount of assistance, and
today the school is filled with iPads and other
modern equipment to give the students the
opportunity to learn in the technological age.
But what about other Irish-medium schools? How
were they faring? What challenges did they have
to overcome? There is strength in numbers, and
the staff journeyed around the county to see what
was being done elsewhere. One of the advantages
of CETB is that there is a sizeable cluster of Irish-
medium schools, and they offered their advice. It
was inspiring for the staff to see an Irish-medium
school in full sail, with the entire business of the
school being conducted through Irish. We can
do it was now the motto in the teachers’ hearts
as the dream neared completion, and it became
clearer and clearer that this project could be
implemented completely.
In a project such as this, it is important that a
sensible, patient and careful person be found to
manage the Gaelcholáiste before a head teacher
is appointed. The school was extremely lucky
that Hilary O’Connor was available, a fantastic
Irish speaker and ex-hockey player with Munster.
She has spent eight years in the school and is as
committed to her responsibilities as ever. She has
a motherly air, and the children feel at ease in the
her presence.
The head teacher is the first name mentioned
beside an Irish-language unit. This teacher
creates energy and exuberance in the unit, guides
many of the activities and advises the principal.
Additional skills are required for this position.
When is it best to stand back, or to get involved in
a situation? These aspects are highly important,
so it is essential to find the right person, and some
time should always be spend contemplating this
decision.
But don’t forget the parents! They made a brave
decision in choosing the Irish-language unit. None
of them had any experience of Irish-medium
education, and they placed their faith in the
principal and staff. They were thinking about
the best interests of the children, and they were
willing to walk a new road which would allow
PAGE 85