"I am often left scratching my head in confusion over some of the opinions held by people in this fine country of ours, most frequently when in relation to the Irish language. There are so many contradictions, such rampant self-shaming, and a severe under-appreciation of the beauty of it. This was made particularly evident during President Catherine Connolly's campaign and inauguration."
"A woman who included Gaeilge and Gaeilgóirs in all of her messaging, Connolly has announced intentions to make Irish the working language of the Áras, rather than having it "spoken quietly in the corner". For some reason, this has caused an echo of the criticism she and her supporters received during the campaign: that this is an elitist move, one that shuns non-Irish-speaking Irish people."
Widespread confusion surrounds public opinions about the Irish language, with many noting contradictions, self-shaming, and under-appreciation of its beauty. President Catherine Connolly used Gaeilge and Gaeilgóirs extensively in messaging and announced plans to make Irish the working language of the Áras rather than leaving it 'spoken quietly in the corner.' That declaration reignited campaign-era criticism, with opponents labeling the move elitist and claiming it excludes non-Irish-speaking citizens. The episode reveals tensions between language revitalization efforts and perceptions of social inclusion, exposing cultural and political friction around promoting Gaeilge in official spaces.
Read at Independent
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