Gael-Linn competition promoting Gaeilge and football

By Cian O'Connell

A busy few weeks, but Tomás Rua Ó Cadhla isn't complaining.

Football, fun, culture, and Gaeilge are all on the agenda in Gael-Linn's innovative Féilte Peile which are taking place across the country.

Aimed at Gaelscoileanna and Gaeltacht primary schools, this is a competition with a difference. The games are nine a side with at least four girls to be on the pitch at all times playing.

Quizzes, concerts, and céilís are also organised. Watching the Connacht blitz action unfold in the splendid surroundings at a sun kissed Leitir Mór illustrated what sport should be all about.

Ó Cadhla, Bainisteoir Roinn na Scéimeanna with Gael-Linn, and a man immersed in all matters Waterford GAA, is delighted with the success of the tournament. "Gaeilge is the main reason we put these on, but other than that we're looking at bringing the Gaeltacht schools and the Gaelscoileanna together," he explains.

"Obviously, there is a rich heritage in the Gaeltachtaí. Some of the Gaelscoileanna might only see or experience Gaeilge in their classrooms as a subject rather than a language.

"One of the reasons we do the Féile Peile is it gives them the atmosphere of being out in the Gaeltacht to see exactly what a living language looks like. That is the main thing.

"The competition itself is based around mixed teams which is giving girls and boys and equal opportunity. As an inter-schools competition it is probably unique in that way."

In the Connacht section schools from Westport, Galway city and Ballinasloe, who emerged as the winners, were involved. "A combination of things happen," Ó Cadhla says.

"For the local schools it is great they welcome the Gaelscoileanna into the area. For the schools on tour, it's great for them as an event close to the end of the school year.

"A lot of the schools we saw in Galway, that's really their last trip together before they head off to secondary school. So, it's like a climax too, and some of the teachers were telling me that the minute they go into sixth class, that's the first thing they're asking about is the Féile Peile and the opportunity to go to the Gaeltacht.

"It was great for us weather wise that the competition was so good with the sunshine. To be honest, it's almost a rite of passage in some of the schools.

"Then, for the likes of the local schools in Leitir Mór, it's great that they can welcome schools into the area. Some stay with a Bean an Tí so they're getting that cultural experience too.

"The other idea is that hopefully some might build a little grá for the area or the experience and might come back on summer courses again."

Connecting communities matters and offering an opportunity is what Gael-Linn are hoping to accomplish. "It's the same in all of the areas," Ó Cadhla says.

"It's a nationwide competition, but the magic happens because the Gaeltachtaí are the places where you're usually looking at smaller schools with smaller populations, and they're welcoming in bigger schools.

"We understand the amount of growth happening in Gaelscoileanna, especially in big towns around the country. It's great for the smaller schools to have the opportunity to bring those kids in for a look at what happens."

Maintaining the links, developing the language, and highlighting a sense of place matters deeply. Ó Cadhla is keen to preserve the thriving Féilte Peile. "It started in the 90s, I was looking at the cup in Leitir Mór before we presented it, and it started in the mid to late 90s in different areas with little pilot schemes," he reflects.

"Then, it was brought out nationally. We're looking at a competition that gives kids an opportunity to come together in a lovely atmosphere. We're looking at the game itself, the teanga, the tradition from the point of view of the céilí which fits in with the GAA ethos of dancing and amhránaíocht.

"It ticks an awful lot of boxes for schools with what they're doing on the ground, the promotion of Gaelic games, the promotion of music, the promotion of dance, and everything is combined into one. They get just over 24 quick hours in the Gaeltacht to experience."

On Wednesday, Ó Cadhla left Leitir Mór to spin down to Tralee for the Munster event which subsequently took place for the next two days.

Peil, spraoi, agus Gaeilge.