Call to attend Irish language demo

Call to attend Irish language demo

15 February 2017

IRISH language activists from Downpatrick and Lecale are being urged to attend a demonstration in Newry on Saturday.

Buses will be leaving Downpatrick at 12 noon for the event which has been organised by An Dream Dearg to call for Irish language rights for everyone.

An Dream Dearg is an open network of Irish language activists who believe in rights, respect and recognition for all. The demonstration in Newry is part of a series of actions and is part of An Dream Dearg’s #DeargleFearg campaign.

Aoife Mic Con Midhe, the Irish language officer for the Downpatrick-based Cumann Gaelach Leath Chathail, has urged people to take part in the event.

“An Dream Dearg is not politically affiliated and grew from a community waiting for an act to protect and promote Irish language rights, who have three share demands,” she said.

The campaign seeks a comprehensive, rights-based Irish-language Act be enacted in the north of Ireland; that the authorities fulfil their statutory obligation for the development of a comprehensive Irish-medium education system and that adequate resources be provided for the development of the Irish language community.”

“The Irish language is for everyone, regardless of political, religious and social backgrounds. This demonstration is to show people that we are a vibrant, diverse community and we want basic human rights. Equal rights for others, does not mean less rights for you.

“This Demonstration has been organised to show the Northern government that the Irish language community is a vital part of our community and to illustrate the need for an Irish Language Act,” continued Aoife.

“Everyone is welcome to attend this demonstration which is not affiliated to any political party. Families are also welcome and there will be entertainment, music and face painting on the day.

The demonstration will be held outside Newry Town Hall at 12 noon on Saturday, February 18. There will be buses leaving from Teach Mhiceál, Irish Street, Downpatrick at 10.45am. For more information call Aoife on 07703 589057.