Irish language school blitzes in the pipeline thanks to Glór na nGael funding

GAA clubs across the country will be organising an Irish language blitz competition for primary and secondary schools in their areas over the coming months, thanks to funding from Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha. A total of €10,000 of funding has been awarded to 20 clubs to help them bring local schools together in the first part of the year to give school children the opportunity to practice their Irish on the playing field. 

Despite stiff competition, 20 clubs in Dublin, Tyrone, Laois, Down, Limerick, Galway, Antrim, Armagh, Sligo, Cavan, Meath, Kerry, Donegal and Roscommon were successful in securing funding in this round of grants. The investment will see children and young people from over 130 schools taking part in the sports blitzes and using Irish on the football and hurling/camogie field. In addition, clubs will support the participating schools by providing lessons and resources to encourage the use of the Irish language, particularly in English-medium schools.

The grant for the Irish language school blitzes was the third round of grant funding from Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha in 2025. Over the course of last year, a total of 207 grants were awarded through the scheme, representing an investment of €103,820 to promote the Irish language in GAA clubs right across the country. The first round of funding for the current year will open at the end of February. Information about this grant round will be sent out to all clubs registered for 2026. Registration for 2026 is still open and a registration form can be requested by contacting clg@glornangael.ie or by submitting an expression of interest at https://www.glornangael.ie/clg/#speise.

Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha is a support scheme provided by Glór na nGael and the Gaelic Athletic Association for GAA clubs wishing to promote the Irish language. You can read more about the scheme at https://www.glornangael.ie/clg/ or contact us at clg@glornangael.ie.