Irish/Gaeilge

The Irish Department in Thornhill College is a thriving and highly successful Modern Language Department.  The study of Irish is offered to all students from Years 8-14 through an inter-active, stimulating and challenging programme of language, literature and culture.  Formal learning is complemented by a range of extra-curricular activities which promote the enjoyment and application of the language.  Pupils are entered for Feiseanna, quizzes, debates and Gaeltacht scholarship competitions on a regular basis and it is the Department’s aim to encourage students to develop a love for and pride in the culture and language.  Students are also encouraged to use Irish as a means of communication as often as possible and to visit the Gaeltacht.

The number of pupils studying the language in Thornhill right up to Year 14 is significant.  At present 130 pupils study Irish for GCSE and 40 pupils study the language at AS and A2 level.

There are 3 full-time teachers of Irish in a well resourced and highly motivated department.

Winners of the Gael Linn Competition, 2011

Year 8-10 pupils enjoying the Céilí Club.  Dances learnt so far !! Tonnaí Thoraigh/The Waves of Tory; Ballaí Luimnigh/The Walls of Limerick; Ionsaí na hInse/Siege of Ennis; Ríl bheirte/2-Hand Reel; Shoe the Donkey !

Everyone is looking forward to the school Céilí in March and some have already been to the Lumen Christi Céilí in November.  Come along to the Club each Tuesday at lunchtime in the gym.  Beidh fáilte romhat.  Múinteoirí: Ms. Mullin, Miss. Faulkner agus Mr. Mag Uiginn.

An Ghaeltacht

Rann na Feirste  – that’s where 70 students from Years 8 – 11 are during the summer to learn more Irish and of course enjoy the craic at the Gaeltacht  Colleges in Donegal.

Can you work out what advice is given below?

Comhairle [advice !]

• Bí deas le fear an tí ! *

• Bí iontach deas le bean an tí !!

• Bain sult as an Ghaeltacht.

Freagraí/Answers!

• Be nice to the man of the house !

• Be nice to the woman of the house – the real boss, who feeds you!

• Enjoy the Gaeltacht !

Féis Dhoíre Cholmcílle

Each year Thornhill College Irish Department are well represented at Féis Dhoíre Cholmcílle.

We have enjoyed considerable success over the years.

Thornhill College students (Class 8D/8H), first place in the Irish Language Choral Verse competition receiving the Marie Ivory Cup at Feis Dhoire Cholmcille 2011.

 Thornhill College students (Class 8C) who won first place in the Irish Language Drama competition and were awarded the Derry Journal Cup at Feis Dhoire Cholmcille 2011.