Aoi na Míosa - Erin Burns

Erin Burns is the Project Manager for Gréasán Gaeilge na hEarnála Poiblí which was established in July. Erin is originally from South Derry but now lives in Galway City. 

A woman from Derry in Galway – What brought you to Galway ? 
 
I attended university in Galway, where I completed an undergraduate degree in Irish and Translation Studies, and a master’s degree in Conference Interpreting. I remember when I made the decision to accept the undergraduate offer — I packed my bags and jumped on the bus without having any accommodation or anything else sorted, but it worked out in the end, and I learned that’s the kind of attitude people in Galway have — they’re really laid-back. When I finished university, I wasn’t ready to pack my bags again... and it seems I’m still not. 

When you were in secondary school, what inspired you to apply for Irish courses at university? 

I attended a bunscoil in my local area, Carn Tóchair, but there was no Irish-medium secondary school in Derry at the time—there is now, thankfully. Because there were a few bunscoileanna in the area, the local secondary school noticed the demand for Irish-medium education and decided to respond to that demand, establishing an Irish-Medium stream in the school. It was a specialist school in science, and because of that, there was a big emphasis on the sciences. I studied maths, biology, chemistry, and Irish for my A-Levels, but I enjoyed Irish the most. There was a translation section in the exams we had to do, and I really liked that part. Mr. O'Donnell mentioned the translation course in Galway to me. 

In the Irish classes, we had a great relationship with the teachers, and when we weren’t focusing on Irish literature, we’d have a cup of tea in the classroom and spend an hour chatting. At the time, I thought we were just dossing, but now I realise that was the most valuable thing we did—there was a relaxed atmosphere, and we used the language properly, as a living language, while talking about the upcoming disco and the football match at the weekend. 

When you were attending the bunscoil, An Carn was next door to you – did this help you attend Irish language events when you were younger? 

Absolutely! An Carn in Carn Tóchair is an Irish language centre, and it's no exaggeration to say that it’s at the heart of the community. When I was growing up, there was only one building, which housed the post office, a library, a computer room, and a few classrooms along with offices. We had a youth club there after school and a summer camp. There were also various classes for different groups, both young and old. I myself attended guitar classes through Irish, but the only thing I learned was that I didn’t have a musical bone in my body! 

Irish language classes are also held there, and these days they’re packed due to the increase in the number of students attending the bunscoil—parents now attend night classes. The place has developed immensely since then, with the addition of a café (An Croí), a theatre (An Coire), and other facilities like an art room, kitchen, recording studio, and a dedicated youth club room. Not only that, but there’s also a nature reserve—Tearmann Dúlra Dhroim nDamh. 

So, growing up, I had access to a wide range of social activities through Irish on a daily basis, and that led to the normalisation of the language. Even when I was older and playing camogie for the local team, Sleacht Néill, we’d have training on Sunday mornings and then go to An Croí afterwards for coffee or lunch. There was certainly an emphasis on the Irish language, but just as much emphasis was placed on the social side of things—the two were closely intertwined. 

I understand that you provide interpreting, Irish to English at the launch of An Teanglann, the best interpreting learning resource in Europe, please describe this to us. 

The interpreting course at the University of Galway is truly unique compared to other master’s courses. There was a strong emphasis on practical work, and you were constantly practicing with your peers. One person would be in the interpreting booth, a recording of a speech would be played through the system we used, and the person in the booth would interpret it into another language. The person outside the booth would wear headphones, listen to the interpreter, and write feedback notes. The person in the booth would also be recorded, and they’d have to listen back afterwards to assess themselves.  

Unfortunately, the technical system we were using eventually became outdated. A new facility, An Teanglann, was launched in 2024. An Teanglann has three interpreting rooms and six booths in total. Each booth contains two standard interpreter consoles and is equipped with the latest technology. The three rooms can also be connected for larger meetings, allowing for better language coverage. Simultaneous remote interpreting (RSI), which has become more prominent since Covid, is also made easier thanks to this setup.  

I myself provided Irish to English interpretation for guests in attendance, including the Director-General for Interpretation at the European Commission (DG SCIC), Genoveva Ruiz Calvera. 

You spent a little time in Dáil Éireann – tell us about it? What was good about it and what didn't you like about it? 

I spent a period at university on a work placement in Leinster House, working with the TD Éamon Ó Cuív. It was incredibly interesting to be in such a historic environment, and I gained real insight into how things work on a day-to-day basis—how TDs deal with legislation, prepare for debates, and work on behalf of their constituents. I really enjoyed the variety of tasks I was involved in.  

What I enjoyed most was being surrounded by people who were passionate about the Irish language. I met many Irish language groups and would attend the meetings of the Irish language committee.  

It gave me an understanding of the work required to shape policy, and the importance of communication and teamwork in that process. It strengthened my interest in politics and public affairs, and it helped me to develop both personally and professionally. 

What has been your highlight since you started with Gréasán Gaeilge na hEarnála Poiblí? 

As a 'Swiftie', I have to say I really enjoyed the Taylor Swift Project! It’s so interesting to see the new and creative ways in which Irish is being promoted. Regarding Gréasán Gaeilge in general, it’s really lovely to bring so many people together in one room, all sharing a common interest. There’s something special about getting to know everyone as a group—not just on a surface level. It’s through those conversations that we learn more about what people really want, and often the best new ideas come from them—it sparks more creativity and inspiration. 

Is there anything in particular we should be looking out for in the coming weeks & months? 

That’s top secret for now, but there are definitely lots of exciting things ahead! Keep an eye on our social media pages—Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and Facebook (@greasangaeilge)—and on the monthly newsletter!   

Does the Gréasán Gaeilge collaborate with other organisations or departments to support Irish in the workplace? 

Certainly, we had an event during Seachtain na Gaeilge with the Irish Film Classification Office when we held a short film screening at lunchtime. We met with Ciarán Kissane in a meeting before Christmas, and it was from that meeting that the partnership opportunity arose. Ciarán mentioned that they had a film screen in the office and that we could use it for an event. 

In addition, many groups contacted us asking for us to give a presentation to their staff about the Gréasán Gaeilge, and we took those opportunities as well. We want to be as available to the public sector as much as possible, so we greatly welcome any opportunity that comes our way. 

If anyone would like to organise an event in partnership with us, they can send an email to eolas@greasangaeilge.ie. 

What is the most unexpected place you have heard someone speaking Irish? 

I didn’t hear it myself, but it’s an interesting story, nonetheless. My mother was visiting my brother in Australia. While she was there, they went to Fiji for a while. When they landed in Fiji, my mother gave her passport to the Fijian man working in the airport. He looked at the passport and realized she was Irish and started speaking Irish to her! 

What is your favorite Irish phrase or word? 

Cos ar bolg 

It’s hard to choose just one, and even though it’s not a positive phrase, I really like it—I think it gives a great description of what it means.