Irish language festival celebrated in March

THROUGHOUT the month of March, Omagh will be transformed into a hive of Irish culture as part of an international Irish language festival celebrated annually.

Organised locally by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, the ‘Seachtain na Gaeilge le Engergia 2024’ will feature a range of events across both districts to celebrate and showcase the diversity of the Irish language, including a comedy show, treasure hunt, conversation circles, drama festival, art exhibition and a traditional music and dance event.

Throughout the month of March, a special exhibition will be on display on the third floor of the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh.

Titled ‘3 Stories’, the exhibition showcases the art created by Kikki Ghezzi who was inspired by the stories in Sgéalta Mhuintir Luinigh, a collection of Irish language folktales collected in the Monterlunney area during the 1930s.

Kikki’s artwork is also featured in the recently-published ‘3 Stories’ from the Mid Tyrone Gaeltacht by Dr Peader Mac Gabhann which is currently on sale at the Strule Arts Centre.

The exhibition will open with a pop-up Gaeltacht tomorrow (Friday), from 4-to-6pm.

Trillick Arts and Culture Society will host a workshop, called ‘Amhrán i nGaeilge’ (Irish Language Songs), with singer, Helen Diamond from Oideas Gael, on Wednesday, March 6 from 7.30-to-9pm in Trillick Arts and Culture Centre.

Get your dancing shoes on with Céilí na gClann hosted by Gaelscoil na gCrann, Omagh, on Tuesday, March 12 at 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

On Wednesday, March 13, Féile na hÓmaí will host an Irish language drama festival for primary and post-primary schools both Irish medium and English medium. It takes place in the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, from 9.30-to-2.30pm.

On Thursday, March 14, head to Fr Matt Hall in Trillick for the Oíche Ghaelach planned by Trillick St Macartan’s GAC. From 7-9pm, there will be traditional music and dancing.

CCÉ Tearmainn Mhic Oirc will host a celebration of the Irish Language, through music and song, on Friday, March 15 from 7-to-10pm in Loughmacrory Parish Hall.

On Saturday, March 16, from 10am-to-1pm, enjoy tea and coffee in Páirc Cholmcille Clubrooms, Carrickmore with the Ciorcal Comhrá organised by An Charraig Mhór Naomh Colmcille CLG.

Finish off Seachtain na Gaeilge on Saturday, March 16, with a cross community comedy show hosted by CLG Bearach An Chraobh Rua in The Corner Bar, Beragh.

Doors open at 7pm, and the show starts at 8pm. Everyone is welcome, and why not practice your Irish when ordering refreshments? Tickets are available on the Beragh Red Knights’ Facebook page.