Top Irish language role for local woman

A STRABANE woman has spoken of her delight and excitement after being elected as the new Leas Uachtaran – or Vice-President – for the Irish Language at the Union of Students in Ireland.

Grian Ni Dhaimhin from the Head of the Town area, will take up her position on July 1 next and it’s one which she is understandably very enthusiastic about.

Speaking to the Chronicle recently, Grian said it was a ‘dream job’ for her for the year ahead.

Being the new Leas Uachtaran will involve her representing 375,000 students, campaigning for their needs through Irish and for language rights on campus and in society as a whole.

“My job will focus on supporting Irish language students and lobbying and campaigning for Irish language rights north and south,” she said.

“My aim will be to ensure that colleges and universities are playing their part, that the language is visible and being used and that each campaign done by the Union of Students of Ireland makes Irish visible.

“I am also hoping to run some of my own campaigns. One of them will hope to encourage, promote and facilitate students attending the Gaeltach once the pandemic restrictions have been eased.

“This is especially important because of the impact that the coronavirus has had on Gaeltacht areas and I want to support those communities. It is also vital that we ensure that Irish speakers who are going to University are getting the support that they need.”

Grian attended the Naiscoil and Gaelscoil in Strabane before going on to Holy Cross College. She says it is vital that Irish speakers have access to the language in all aspects of their lives.

She is currently the Students Union President at Queen’s University in Belfast, a job which she leaves just a day before taking up her new role.

Just before Christmas, Grian graduated with a degree in history and social anthropology.

“Irish is my first language and have always been aware of the lack of rights for Irish speakers in the North. I’m really excited to be at the helm of that for a year and to be finally be able to work through Irish and on Irish language issues,” she added.