Research on the impact of Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha launched

Glór na nGael are delighted to welcome the recently launched report into the effectiveness of Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha. The research was completed on behalf of Glór na nGael by consultancy agency Barr Feabhais, under the stewardship of Dr Micheál Ó Duibh and his colleagues Caitríona Ó Torna and Máire Ní Fhearraigh. Forty eight participant GAA clubs took part in the research via a survey which was carried out earlier this year.   

The research report was officially launched by Eoin Ó Droighneáin, Principal Officer for National Language Strategy and Support in the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media as part of the Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha national awards night which was held at Croke Park in late November. 

The research revealed that a total of 514 GAA, camogie and LGFA clubs had registered since the Fondúireacht was established in 2017. The counties with the highest number of clubs registered were Dublin, Galway, Tyrone, Kilkenny, Limerick, Armagh, Down, Donegal, Antrim and Derry.

Since the scheme’s inception, a total of €518,745 has been allocated in grant funding to clubs, which has led to an increase in visibility, learning and use of the Irish language within clubs right across the country. The level of grant funding has also increased year on year from €27,462 in 2017 to €108,298 in 2023.

The research shows that clubs are highly satisfied with the effectiveness and relevance of the actions laid out in the scheme, the resources and communication from Glór na nGael and with how appropriate the scheme is for the needs of the club. Overall, the clubs surveyed expressed a high level of satisfaction with the Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha scheme.

As well as that, the clubs also offered some very worthwhile suggestions on improvements and additions which could be made to the scheme. The research and its results will be pivotal for Glór na nGael and the Gaelic Athletic Associationl when planning for the future of Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha. 

Glór na nGael are extremely grateful to the 48 clubs who took part in the survey and to Barr Feabhais who completed the research on our behalf. The research report can be read HERE  

Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha is a support scheme run by Glór na nGael and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), aimed at GAA clubs that wish to promote the Irish language. More information about the scheme can be found at www.glornangael.ie, or contact us at clg@glornangael.ie.