Top Irish language education role for Killyclogher woman

A KILLYCLOGHER woman has been appointed as the new chief of the organisation that supports Irish language education across the North.

Maria Thomasson has been named permanent chief executive of the Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (the Council for Irish Medium Education) after serving in a temporary capacity for the last 20 months.

Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta was set up in 2000 by the Department of Education to promote, facilitate and encourage Irish medium education and Irish medium schools.

A past pupil of St Mary’s Primary School in Killyclogher and Loreto Grammar School, Ms Thomasson taught at various local schools teaching Irish and Spanish.

She is also well-known locally for singing and is a member of Strabane Chorale.

Speaking after her appointment, the ‘delighted’ new chief executive said she wished to grow the Irish medium education sector.

Ms Thomasson said, “I am delighted to be appointed permanently to the role of chief executive of Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta. I thank the board for giving me this opportunity. I believe passionately in Irish-medium education.

“There is exceptional work in Irish medium schools every day, and the many benefits of immersion education and bilingualism. I recognise that this is a challenging time for the wider sector as a whole, and, especially, the Irish-medium sector.”

The Irish medium sector is the fastest-growing education sector in the North. There are currently over 7,300 pupils attending 44 nursery settings, 35 primary and five post-primary settings across all six counties.

Seosamh Ó Coinne, Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta chair, said, “Maria has had experience in various roles within Comhairle over the last number of years. She has extensive in the Irish-medium education sector and the challenges associated with it, as well as vast experience working in the education sector for other organisations for over 20 years.

“We are confident that Maria will contribute effectively to the work of Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta and the direction of the sector for many years to come.”