20 bliain de Ghaeloideachas in Ard Mhacha Theas

Bhí fís ag an choiste 25 bliain ó shin le Gaelscoil a thosú i gCrois Mhic Lionnáin.​

Bunaíodh an Ghaelscoil i 2003 le 13 dalta agus múinteoir amháin, Proinsias Brannigan, a raibh ina ceann feadhna taobh thiar den fhís.

Anois tá breis is 150 dalta ann ag foghlaim agus ag forbairt trí Ghaeilge gach lá. Thar na blianta tá go leor cloch mhíle bainte amach agus cuimhní cruthaithe againn agus anois tá muid ag iarraidh seo uilig a ceiliúradh ar oíche mhór.

Barra Ó Muirí, Cathaoirleach Gaelphobal Ard Mhacha Theas & Múinteoir GPN: “Tá muid iontach bródúil as an Ghaelscoil atá anois ar an fhód le fiche bliain. Ní amháin go bhfuair na céadta páistí sár-oideachas trí mheán na Gaeilge, ach is fíor gur chruthaigh sé Gaelphobal anseo i nDeisceart Ard Mhacha. Tá muid ag dúil go mór lenár n-iardhaltaí a fheiceáil, a dtuistí agus na daoine uilig a thacaigh linn sna luathblianta. Déanaimid cuimhniú ar Mhúinteoir Proinsias, ar Eileen Duffy agus ar ár gcairde eile a chuaigh ar shlí na fírinne.

"Tá an Ghaeilge ag dul ó neart go neart sa cheantar agus is mar gheall ar an Ghaelscoil gur tharla an t-athbheocháin seo.”

Cuireann muid fáilte mhór roimh ár iardhaltaí, múirteoirí, tuismitheoirí agus cairde ar fad Gaelscoil Phádraig Naofa. Bígí linn d'oíche craic ag amharc siar ar cuimhní, le ceol ó aoicheoltóirí speisialta, beidh bia clúdaithe le do thicéid. Beidh an oíche mhór ceiliúrtha ar siúil ar Sathairn 27ú Aibreán i Halla Raonaithe na Croise ar 7pm. Tá ticéid ar fáil ar eventbrite nó tríd Facebook, Instagram nó Twitter Gaelphobal Ard Mhacha Theas (imeacht 16+).

20 years of Irish Medium Education in South Armagh

The Gaelscoil started out with the vision of a dedicated committee 25 years ago.

It began in 2003 with 13 students and one teacher, Frances Brannigan, who was one of the driving forces behind the vision. Now there are over 150 students learning and developing through Irish everyday. Over the years we have hit many milestones and created many memories and now it’s time to celebrate it all.

Barra Ó Muirí, Chairperson of Gaelphobal Ard Mhacha Theas & GPN Teacher: “We’re very proud that the Gaelscoil has been growing for the last 20 years.

"Not only have hundreds of students received an excellent education through the medium of Irish, but it has created an Irish speaking community here in south Armagh.

"We are really looking forward to seeing our past pupils, their parents and all of those who supported us in the early years.

"We remember Múinteori Proinsias, Eileen Diffy and all our friends who have passed away over the years.

"Irish is going from strength to strength in the area and the Gaelscoil has greatly contributed to this revival.”

We welcome all of our past pupils, teachers, parents and friends of Gaelscoil Phádraig Naofa. Join us for a night of music and craic looking back at old memories, with special musical guests and food included with your ticket.

The big night will be held on Saturday, April 27 in Rangers Hall, Crossmaglen, at 7pm. Tickets are available on eventbrite or through Gaelphobal Ard Mhacha Theas’ Facebook, Instagram or twitter. This event will be 16+.