Dungannon Irish school welcomes DUP Minister

IT was a momentous day for Gaelscoil Aodha Rua in Dungannon as they received a visit from the DUP’s Education Minister, Paul Givan.

During his visit, Mr Givan stated that the Irish language ‘belongs to us all’ and was treated to a showcase from the school’s pupils that included Irish music, Irish dancing and songs of which were sang in both English and Irish by the school’s choir.

Ahead of Mr Givan’s arrival, the school’s principal Mona Uí Dhochartaigh said she had been ‘very impressed’ with Mr Givan’s first few weeks as Education Minister and that she was hopeful he would ‘cater for the needs of our sector’.

After he was welcomed to the school, Mr Givan stated that he was ‘delighted’ to be there and that he looked forward to the opportunity to engage.

Mid Ulster District Council chair, Dominic Molloy, said, “It is fantastic to have you with us here this morning to understand the Irish medium sector and what they’re doing as well as some of the challenges that they face and what they’re about.

“According to recent census carried out by the Mid Ulster Council we have the highest number of Irish language speakers in the region, so it’s upon us to provide the services needed for them to live their language.

“You’ll see from the pupils here today that Irish truly is a living language and the work this school carries out is essential to our community.”

Addressing staff and pupils of the school, Mr Givan said, “I very much wanted to come, early in my tenure as Education Minister, to an Irish-speaking school, particularly Dungannon, as this is where both sides of my family are from.

“Dungannon has come through a lot over the years and is, in my view, an example of the shared society we are trying to create in moving us all forward.”

Mr Givan added, “The Irish medium sector is very much part of our society and we should be very proud of Irish culture and Irish language, and I, as Education Minister, want to support this sector.”