The Cumann Gaelach in University College Dublin has won the competition organised by Glór na nGael to identify the best Irish language society in a third level institution.
Dr Máire Ní hAnnracháin, Chairperson of Glór na nGael’s Steering Committee, broke the news at a special dinner organised by the Cumann Gaelach in the Radisson SAS Hotel, Donnybrook, on 27 February 2008
Congratulating the winners, Marcas Mac Ruairí, Development Officer with Glór na nGael, said: “The highest praise has been earned by the UCD Cumann Gaelach which will receive a prize of €2,000.
“Radisson SAS to celebrate 100 years since it was established, the Cumann Gaelach has had a successful year during which it increased its membership from 200 to over 900.
“Among the achievements that impressed the adjudicators was the effort the cumann invests in organising social events, the quality of these being one of the factors that has attracted such a large membership.
“As well as this, the cumann has carried out great work to encourage the provision of Irish medium services in the college. They carried out a project ‘No Beadle,’ adopting a similar approach to the controversial programme on TG4 of the same name.
“Other winners included Cumann Gaelach Coláiste Froebel in second place with €1,500. Cuallacht Cholm Cille in Maynooth and Cumann Gaelach in the Ulster University, Coleraine took joint third place and will share ,€1,000 between them.
“I would like to take this opportunity to extend congratulation to the winners. With commitment like they have shown, we can be sure that the Irish language will enjoy a secure future.”
The awards will be presented at a special occasion in Ennis, County Clare, on 29 March 2008.
