The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor WJ Webb MBE JP welcomed residents from across the Borough to The Old Courthouse Theatre last night to celebrate Irish Language Week. With 160 guests attending the celebration hosted by presenter, producer and journalist, Caoimhe Ni Chathail, they were treated to an evening of entertainment through Irish Language, music and dance, showcasing a range of local talent throughout the Borough.
The evening commenced with a concert from the renowned local traditional folk band, The Rapparees, and followed with performances from Ionad Teaghlaigh Ghleann Darach, The Duffy Family, Lawrenson - Toal Academy of Irish Dance, Glengormley School of Traditional Music and Jordan Academy of Irish Dance.
The audience included representatives from all of the Irish medium education schools throughout the Borough; Gaelscoil and Naíscoil Eanna, Naíscoil na Fíobha, Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach and Cairde Dhún Sailí.
The Mayor said
“It was my pleasure as Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough to host this Irish Language event as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge 2022. The talent on show from across the Borough was outstanding and it was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and energy of so many young people taking part. Irish language, music and culture is for everyone to engage with and enjoy.”
Irish language Week - Seachtain na Gaeilge, 1-17 March, is a key week in the calendar which aims to promote and celebrate the Irish Language, heritage and culture, and to encourage and inspire others to become involved with the language.