Spotsolas na Míosa – Caroline Ní Fhlatharta

What are your main responsibilities in your role as an Irish Language Officer at the University of Galway?

My work is varied as an Irish Language Officer at the University of Galway. The University's first Strategy for Irish was launched in 2021 and the implementation of that Strategy is my main priority. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with staff and students from across the University in my role and take great pleasure in getting to know and collaborating with people to promote the Irish language within and outside the University. I administer our Scéim Cónaitheachta, where 32 students with Irish are provided with accommodation from across the country each year in Bloc na Gaeilge on the University campus. I also deal with a variety of other projects, including Irish Language Recognition Awards for staff attending Irish classes or supporting the promotion of Irish across campus – ten staff were awarded scholarships this year and had the opportunity to spend a week in an Ceathrú Rua undertaking an intensive Irish course. It is a privilege to be able to establish such projects, as it depicts the value, worth and importance of the Irish language to people, and the achievements of people who have an interest in the Irish language and are committed to the promotion of the Irish language are celebrated.

Do you take personal satisfaction from the work you are doing?

I take personal satisfaction from the work I'm doing! I am very aware that not everyone was fortunate to have been raised with Irish, and I have an opportunity in my role now to encourage and support people with all levels of Irish on their learning journey. I am very proud of the Irish Language Recognition Awards that I started at the University three years ago, to recognise secondary school students who successfully obtained a distinction in the higher-level Irish exams at Junior Cycle. Earlier this year, more than 170 students were presented with a certificate by the President of the University in Bailey Allen Hall on campus and a total of 600 people attended the event. Seeing such a large crowd on the University campus celebrating the Irish language was without doubt one of the biggest personal highlights for me!

What inspired you to use Irish in your professional life?

This may seem exceptional, but Irish is my working language in every job I've had since I started working so long ago! I have always, of course, worked in the Gaeltacht, or on the outskirts of the Gaeltacht, and I am grateful that these job opportunities were available to me and that I could both stay in the Gaeltacht, build a house there and have a happy life among my family and friends.

The Scéim Cónaitheachta is going from strength to strength every year in the University, are students becoming more interested in the language?

We relaunched the Scéim Cónaitheachta in 2021 and it has been going from strength to strength since then with the number of applications rising year on year. It's inspire hope in anyone who to all the students who express an interest in the accommodation in Bloc na Gaeilge because they are so taken by the Irish language, have incredible Irish language abilities and are so active in the Irish language scene, despite the fact that most of them are not from Gaeltacht areas and they do not all have the opportunity to attend Irish-medium schools. It's reassuring and we all need a bit of reassurance these days as we often drown in despair when discussing the future of the Irish language.

Naoise Ó Cairealláin, better known as Móglaí Bap, from the band 'Kneecap' attended the University of Galway, are you confident that the next generation will keep our language alive after they have attended this University?

I often boast of that – that Móglaí Bap studied here, and it really impresses the young people - it resonates with them! I have full confidence in the next generation because I see how committed and passionate they are whilst studying here at the University, and they don't hesitate to stand up for their rights! Therefore, I am very hopeful that the Irish language will go from strength to strength in the coming years with such pride in the Irish language and Irish culture.

What is the importance of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge?

The Gaeltacht Campus' are very important as university students studying Irish now have the opportunity to spend a full semester immersed in Irish and the Gaeltacht lifestyle as they study at these satellite campus', which is fantastic for both the students and the communities in those areas. I attended a Diploma in Irish course in an Ceathrú Rua many years back and that is what really motivated me to pursue graduate and postgraduate courses, so I would love to see more of those courses in the Gaeltacht Campus' again given the importance of second chance education, in rural areas.

What do you do to relax after a day's work?

I'm currently studying so I'm not getting much rest these days unfortunately! But I really enjoy this time of year, and the long nights on the couch, in front of a big fire, with a glass of wine and a good TV programme now and the autumn schedule well underway! It's easy to satisfy me!

You are raising a family through Irish, is there any challenge with that?

Yes, unfortunately!!! It is not easy nowadays to raise a family with Irish because there is so much influence from English everywhere. Young people do not have access to the same resources in Irish and English, which means they mainly communicate through English on social media and so on, and these habits can be difficult to break. I am hopeful that the Government's target of 20% of employees being able to provide services in Irish will have a positive impact in all public bodies, as the Irish language will become more visible, and young people will appreciate the value and advantage of knowing Irish. Kneecap are also to be applauded – they have inspired the younger generation to learn and use the language which is fantastic! TG4 are also undertaking a huge workload as they strive to create engaging content for young people.

You grew up in a Gaeltacht area, did that have any impact on you?

Yes, for sure! I was raised with Irish, received all my schooling in Irish, and was fortunate that I was never forced to leave the Gaeltacht – I had a major advantage because of that as there were opportunities available to me that would not have been available if I had not been raised here. I also understand the importance of our native language, and the importance of ensuring that it survives as a living language and is left a legacy for future generations.

Have you attended any Gréasán events?

I attended and thoroughly enjoyed the online cooking classes with Diarmuid Ó Mathún, owner of Pota Caife! Diarmuid is a remarkable person: an excellent chef, fluent Irish, and he had a great way of explaining things in a simple way. I also attended the Quiz held at the University of Galway at the beginning of the summer and we had a lot of fun with Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh and all those in attendance at the event. I am looking forward to the next event to be held in Galway!

What is your favourite word in Irish and why?

Saoi - master; expert; wise man; learned man; eminent, distinguished, person. I love this word that refers to a scholar or master of a particular craft!