Heritage

Bíonn toradh ar obair Gael Linn

The founders of Gael Linn realised early on that a culture of complaint was not successful. They preferred to take the first step themselves and the next step afterwards. Bíonn toradh ar obair Gael Linn (Gael Linn’s work bears fruit) was their motto. Gael Linn has amassed a rich cultural heritage of national and international significance since 1953.

A brief history of Gael Linn

Summary of highlights in the organisation's story

1953: A group of graduates from the organisation An Comhchaidreamh, led by Dónall Ó Móráin and Riobárd Mac Góráin, founded Gael Linn in 1953. Both men spent their whole careers working for the organisation. (see pic.) >> The founders had definite ideas about what needed to be done to put the Irish language on a secure footing and, moreover, they had strong views on how the old obstacle - lack of funds - could be overcome. Football Pools were founded, based on Gaelic games. >> A sponsored weekly radio programme was produced and broadcast on Raidió Éireann. This programme publicised the results of the pools each week as well as news of Irish Language events. >> A Deed of Trust was signed between An Comhchaidreamh and a group of six people, as Caomhnóirí, or Trustees, who effectively were the first Board of Gael-Linn.
1954: At the July 1954 General Meeting of the An Comhchaidreamh, Gael Linn Chairman Dónall Ó Móráin claimed that the organisation had timirí in every part of the country. However, the pools made little profit in the first two years and Gael Linn could only afford to award small grants. Money was given for Gaeltacht scholarships to Ógra Éireann and An Garda Síochána, and to certain branches of Conradh na Gaeilge, particularly those branches which were active in expanding the pools such as Craobh Aonach Urmhumhan, Craobh Luimnigh and Craobh Inse Chór in Dublin. By the end of 1954, however, Gael Linn had £3,000 in the bank and this was considered sufficient to undertake schemes of their own.
1955: A three-month Gaeltacht scholarship scheme for primary school children was established, with 32 children spending the Easter – Summer term in various Gaeltacht areas. (see pic.) >> An Irish language theatre was established in The Damer Hall, on St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin. This was a semi-professional/amateur based theatre.
1956: Oícheanta Seanchais, entertainment sessions of traditional storytelling and sean-nós singing established in Dublin as part of An Tostal festival. These sessions were held each year until 1960.
1957: Gael Linn records are among the greatest treasures in the organisation's crown. In 1957, Gael Linn released its first 78 rpm records. Each record had a sean-nós song on one side and traditional instrumental music on the other. They also had beautifully designed covers, complete with the lyrics of the songs which was a new innovation at the time. (see pic.) >> A series of Irish language drama festivals was started, which led to the establishment of An Chomhairle Náisiúnta Drámaíochta, an organisation for the promotion of Irish language drama. >> It was decided to establish a fish and vegetable processing plant in Camus, in the Galway Gaeltacht. Five boats suitable for in-shore fishing were also procured and given to local Carna fishermen on a purchase lease basis.
1958: A 135 acre estate at Teelin in south Donegal, which included a sheep/pig farm and fishing rights to local rivers, lakes and Teelin Bay, was purchased, primarily to protect the livelihood of the local salmon fishermen. The farm and the fishing rights were eventually sold separately, with the fishing rights being sold to Údarás na Gaeltachta for the benefit of a local co-operative. >> An Irish language teaching institute, Foras na Gaeilge, was established to organise Irish courses for adults and young people. >> Brendan Behan's famous play 'An Giall' (The Hostage) was staged for the first time ever in The Damer Hall. >> Gael-Linn aquired a three-storey block of offices at the top of Grafton St. Dublin for use as their new headquarters. (see pic.)
1959: Weekly newsreels of events in Ireland, with an Irish language commentary, Amharc Éireann, were distributed to the Rank cinemas in place of the previous fortnightly short documentaries. These continued for five years, with more than 260 editions being produced and screened. (see pic.) >> Following submissions to the Television Commission, a body set up by the Government to examine and make recommendations regarding the establishment for the first television station in the country, Gael-Linn applied, unsuccessfully, for the licence to run the station. The Government decided to establish a semi-state body to run the new service, Teilifís Éireann. >> Cabaret Gael Linn, a well-presented entertainment programme of traditional music, song and dance was established and performed in hotels and tourist venues throughout the country. >> A post-primary school, Coláiste Chomáin, was established in Ros Dumhach, in the Gaeltacht in North West Mayo. >> An Irish language debating competition for post-primary schools was established in the academic year 1559/1960.
1960: Mise Éire, the first ever full-length feature film in Irish and the first ever feature film based on actual newsreel footage was released, with the now famous music score by Sean Ó Riada. The film covered the struggle for Irish independence from the early 1890's to 1917. (see pic.) >> A decision was made to invest in a seaweed processing factory, Tora Toinne Teoranta, in An Cheathrú Rua, in the Galway Gaeltacht. >> A team from Loreto Convent, Letterkenny were the first team to win the All-Ireland Final of the new schools debating competition.
1961: A sequel to Mise Éire, another full-length feature film, Saoirse?, covering the period from 1917 to 1922 was released. (see pic.) >> A bee-keeping scheme was established in the West Cork Gaeltacht of Cúil Aodha and in the West Kerry Gaeltacht of Corca Dhuibhne.
1962: Oyster beds in Cill Chiaráin were purchased to support the fish processing in nearby Carna. (see pic.) >> Properties in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh and Dún Chaoin, in the West Kerry Gaeltacht of Corca Dhuibhne, were purchased for the development of Gaeltacht holidays. >> Gael Linn undertook the running of a co-op shop in An Rinn, the Waterford Gaeltacht. >> The organisation was incorporated as Gael-Linn Teoranta, a company limited by guarantee without share capital.
1963: A company producing traditional hand knitted garments, Inisfree Handknits Ltd., together with a retail shop in Creation Arcade/Grafton Street, Dublin, The Donegal Shop, were purchased. (see pic.) >> A short instructional film on Gaelic Football skills, Peil, was released. >> As a new fund raising venture Bingo was started in a number of venues in Dublin and in other centres throughout the country. >> A youth club for former recipients of Gael-Linn Gaeltacht scholarships was established. >> The first ever session of Gael-Linn Bingo was organised in Cork city.
1964: A majority shareholding was taken in a furniture manufacturing enterprise, John Hogg & Co. Ltd. trading as Crannac, in Navan, Co. Meath. >> A short instructional film on hurling skills, 'Christy Ring' was released. (see pic.)
1965: Coláiste Mhac Dara, a summer college for children who had previously availed of a Gael-Linn three-month Gaeltacht scholarship was established in An Cheathrú Rua in the Galway Gaeltacht. (see pic.) >> A short film on social development in Ireland, Rhapsody of a River, commissioned by the then Department for External Affairs, was screened at the Cork Film Festival.
1966: A special commemorative film on 1916, An Tine Bheo, commissioned by the 1916 Jubilee Committee, was released and shown in cinemas throughout Ireland. (see pic.) >> A special marketing company, Irlandia, was established to market Crannac furniture and other Irish manufactured products in the U.K. >> A metalworking enterprise, Miotalra, was established in Carna, in partnership with a Dublin-based company, which subsequently withdrew from the business.
1967: A short film on the traditional music festival, Fleá Ceoil, was released and won an award at the Berlin Film Festival (see pic.) >> A Friendly Society, Cara-Chumann Gael-Linn, was established as an investment vehicle. >> A majority shareholding was purchased in Glens of Antrim Tweed Co. Ltd. in Cushendall, Co. Antrim.
1968: A licensed bar and restaurant, Ósta John Devoy, in Johnstown, Co. Kildare, was purchased and refurbished. (see pic.) >> At the request of the organisation, Clann na hÉireann, Gael-Linn took over the running of a Hostel, Brú na Mí, in the Co. Meath Gaeltacht of Baile Ghib. Summer courses were held there for two years. >> Gael-Linn was instrumental in setting up a joint venture with Gaeltarra Eireann and three other parties in the hotel industry, Gaeltearmann Teoranta, to establish a chain of quality hotels in Gaeltacht areas, starting with Cathair Ui Dhónaill, in Co. Kerry. >> A short, amusing film on equine sports in Ireland, Capallology, was released and won the 'Monaco' award at the Brussels Film Festival.
1969: A competition based youth arts festival, Slógadh, was established involving several local qualifying events and culminating in a national final. Competitions included drama, music, singing, storytelling and the visual arts. (see pic.) >> The Co-Op shop in An Rinn was closed and efforts were made to help the local community to form a local development committee to run it. >> Irlandia was merged with another marketing company, Furniture Marketing Group Ltd. and responsibility for the marketing of Crannac furniture in the home market was also given to this company. >> The properties owned by Gael-Linn in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh and Dún Chaoin were sold to a local businessman.
1970: The first ever Slógadh Náisiúnta was held in St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin, and Gael-Linn later released an album of some the leading musicians and singers who had taken part. Among the winners that first year were a group called Clannad from Gaoth Dobhair in the Donegal Gaeltacht!
1971: A short film on life in Ireland, Pobal, was released. >> Eachtra, a summer adventure course for Irish speaking teenagers was established in An Cheathrú Rua, Conamara. Activities included swimming, life-saving, orienteering, kayaking and boating. (see pic.) >> Gael-Linn's shares in Crannac were sold.
1972: Ósta John Devoy, the licensed bar and restaurant, in Johnstown, Co. Kildare, was sold. (see pic.) >> An arrangement was made with The Department of Education and County Mayo Vocational Education Committee whereby the VEC would take responsibility for the operation and funding of Coláiste Chomáin as a vocational school, with a management committee representing The Department, The VEC and Gael-Linn. >> A new partnership arrangement was made with Gaeltarra Éireann and Portarlington Engineering Products Ltd. with regard to the metalworking business, Miotalra, in Carna.
1973: A short film on transport in Ireland, 'Mótar mo Chroí', was released. >> Another short film, 'Páistí ag Obair', was shown at the Cork Film Festival, where it won the Critics' Award and was subsequently invited to participate in the London Film Festival. Following this screening 'Páistí ag Obair' received an Oscar nomination. >> The summer college, Coláiste Mhac Dara, was transferred to Machaire Rabhartaigh in the Donegal Gaeltacht. (see pic.) >> Eachtra, the summer adventure course for teenagers was also transferred to Donegal , to Gort a ' Choirce. >> The retail shop in Creation Arcade/Grafton Street, Dublin, The Donegal Shop, was divided and a new music shop, Fónodisc, was opened in the new section.
1974: Two short films, the award winning Páistí ag Obair, and Poc ar Buile, an amusing film on golf with a commentary by Niall Tóibín went on general release. >> In addition to the Eachtra adventure course in Donegal, a second course was organised in Corca Dhuibhne in the Kerry Gaeltacht. >> The album ’Clannad 2’ was released in 1974, the group's first album on the Gael-Linn label. >> Gael-Linn celebrated its 21st anniversary with numerous events, one held in Ireland House, Dublin where the achievements of the organisation were publicised and celebrated. (see pic.)
1975: As a result of a joint venture with Linguaphone a new home-learning Irish language course was produced and launched. >> A summer college was opened in the Baile Bhuirne Gaeltacht, in west Cork. The college was housed in Coláiste Íosagáin, rented from the De la Salle Brothers, but in 1986 it moved to the local secondary school, Coláiste Ghobnatan.>> Four former cinemas were purchased in Dublin - The Cabra Grand, The Whitehall Grand, The Deluxe and The Strand. Three of these cinemas had been rented by Gael-Linn as bingo venues for a long number of years up to this point. (see pic.)
1976: An Irish language debating competition for third level students was established, with sponsorship from The Irish Times. The first winners were a team from The College of Commerce, Rathmines.
1977: Numbers 26 &27 Merrion Square were purchased as a new Headquarters for Gael-Linn. (see pic.) >> Following three years of research, carried out in association with UCG, it was decided to commence development of the oyster beds in Bá Chill Chiaráin near Ros Muc in Conamara, which were originally purchased in 1962. >> The Deluxe Cinema was sold.
1978: Towards the end of the year the original football pools were discontinued and a new structure, Cairde Gael-Linn, was established as a basis for a monthly members' lottery.
1979: The textile company, Glens of Antrim Tweed Co. Ltd., in Cushendall, Co. Antrim, ceased trading. (see pic.) >> The Gael-Linn music shop, Fónodisc, was transferred to new premises in Duke Street in Dublin.
1980: Following the liquidation of Irish Record Factors, the wholesale distribution agency that Gael-Linn had been using to distribute its records, Gael-Linn decided to set up a distribution agency in association with Mulligan Records. >> An Irish language secretarial college, An Coláiste Ard-Runaíochta, was established with the aim of providing a supply of skilled secretaries with a capability for working through the Irish language. >>The Donegal Shop, the retail shop in Creation Arcade, Grafton Street, Dublin was closed and the leasehold on the premises sold. >> Following the decision by the RTE Authority to end sponsored programmes the weekly Gael-Linn radio programme was broadcast for the last time on the 29th of December. >> Slógadh had progressed into a huge festival in its ten years and the Slógadh Náisiúnta was held in Galway in 1980. (see pic.)
1981: The music shop Fónodisc was closed and the leasehold on the premises in Duke Street was sold. >> The support organisation, Cairde Gael-Linn, was incorporated. >> Gael-Linn organised a seminar in Dublin on the position of the lesser-used languages of Europe, particularly in the context of a recent report to the European Parliament.
1982: A policy document on education, The Future Of the Irish Language in The Irish Education System, was published. >> Over a number of years the organisation was very active in promoting the cause of the lesser-used languages of Europe and Gael-Linn staff were instrumental in the establishment of the European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages. (see pic.) >> A policy document on local radio, 'The Future Of Irish Local Radio', was published. >> Mulligan Records withdrew from the record distribution arrangement with Gael-Linn. Gael- Linn continued distributing their own label and other labels. (see pic.)
1983
1984: A new weekly newspaper, Anois, was launched by Gael-Linn. This was the first Irish language newspaper in tabloid form and the first to use full-colour. Newspread Ltd, a major wholesale distributor of magazines and newspapers distributed the new title. A separate company, Anois Teo., was set up and incorporated. (see pic.) >> The pig farm in Teileann, Co. Donegal was sold. >> The last Eachtra course was held on Achill Island. The cost of such courses were too high for the market to bear in the harsh economic climate that prevailed at the time. >> The Irish language secretarial college, An Coláiste Ard-Runaíochta, also closed following a change of policy by AnCo, the state organisation for job skills training.
1985
1986
1987: A new publication to help Higher Level Leaving Certificate students of Irish, titled Dréimire, was launched. This was published in six parts over the academic year in association with Anois. (see pic.) >> The oyster beds in Bá Chill Chiaráin near Ros Muc in Conamara, were sold to Údarás na Gaeltachta.
1988: The founder of Gael-Linn, Dónall Ó Móráin, who had held the full-time post of Ceannasaí since 1963, became Chairman of the Company and Brian Mac Aongusa became the new Chief Executive. (see pic.)
1989: The former cinema, The Strand, which had been used as a venue for bingo Gael-Linn was sold. In line with Gael-Linn's continuing interest in the Irish language in broadcasting a share holding was purchased in Clare FM and in Kerry Community Radio, commercial radio stations set up as a result of new legislation liberalising the broadcast media in Ireland. These shareholdings entitled Gael-Linn to a seat on the Board of each of these new stations. A new annual award, Gradam Gael-Linn, was instituted for the student who earns the highest marks in the Irish language A-Level examination in Northern Ireland.
1990: An Irish language summer comse for adults was organised in Gaoth Dobhair, in the Donegal Gaeltacht.
1991: Dublin was designated European City of Culture for the year. As part of the programme of events to celebrate this accolade Gael-Linn organised a major concert in the Olympia Theatre in April. Clannad, The Hothouse Flowers, Donal Lunny and friends as well as young participants of the Slógadh arts festival took part in the concert. >> An Éigse, or weekend folk school, Féile Zozimus was also organised in the Liberties area of Dublin on traditional Irish culture in Dublin during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This festival was subsequently organised annually over a period of four years. >> A new scheme - Tráth na gCeist Gael-Linn - a series of Irish language table quiz events, was provided for post-primary students of Irish throughout Northern Ireland and the scheme has been very popular ever since. (see pic.) >> The film Mise Éire was issued in VHS video format.
1992: Fios, an Irish language radio quiz for post-primary schools in Northern Ireland, organised by Gael-Linn, was broadcast by BBC Radio Ulster. The fishing rights in Teelin Bay and the local rivers and lakes were sold to lJdaras na Gaeltachta. Gael-Linn took over an existing Gaeltacht summer college for teenagers, Colaiste Riocard Batre.id, in Eachleim, in the North Mayo Gaeltacht.
1993: RTE Radio One broadcast an Irish language radio quiz for adults, organised by Gael-Linn, under the title Ceist Agam Ort. BBC Radio Ulster broadcast a similar Irish language radio quiz for adults in Northern Ireland, organised by Gael-Linn, under the title Freagair. A series of Irish language table quiz events for senior primary school pupils in the Republic was established. These events were organised in subsequent years under the title of Spraoicheist. A large ex-cinema in Crumlin, Dublin, The Crumlin Superbowl, was purchased and refurbished as a bingo an entertainment venue. Gael-Linn provided the studio equipment for a new Dublin Irish language radio station, Raidió na Life, at a nominal rent.
1994: Staighre, a new publication to help Junior Certificate students of Irish was launched. This was published in six parts over the academic year in a similar format to Dreimire. A bilingual booklet, Irish Works =: An Ghaeilge ar do Shonsa, explaining the advantages for young people oflearni.ng Irish, was published. In association with the Jesuit Film and Video Awards for young film-makers Gael-Linn instituted special awards for the best film in the Irish language and for the best use of traditional Irish music in a film score.
1995: Two adjoining premises in Cecilia Street, in the Temple Bar area of Dublin were purchased with the intention of developing an Irish language cultural centre. A special programme entitled, An Enrichment Programme in Gaelic Studies, was offered as an optional module to senior students in post-primary schools in Northern Ireland, where Irish would not normally be offered. The programme consisted of eight lectures in English on topics such as - place names; surnames; Ulster song tradition; Protestant Gaelic tradition; outline history of the Irish language. Each lecture was followed by a short lesson in the Irish language. Inisfree Handknits Ltd., the company producing traditional hand knitted garments was sold.
1996: Brian Mac Aongusa retired as Chief Executive and Herman Ó Briain was appointed to the position. A new publication, Ceim, for students studying Irish for the Leaving Certificate ordinary level and for transition year students was launched. This was the third title in a series published each year in six parts over the academic year. Following its failure to win a new contract and consequent grant aid under a tendering process administered by Bord na Gaeilge, the newspaper Anois ceased publication. The educational publications, Dreimire, Staighre and Ceim, continued. At the request of the Department of Education and Science a special Irish language course for primary teachers trained outside the State was established.
1997: In the absence of any State aid for the proposed Irish language centre in Temple Bar, the premises in Cecilia Street was sold as part of a joint venture with Óstlann Dubhlinne Teo., to establish an Irish language hotel and entertainment centre there. An Irish language public speaking competition for post primary students, Abair, was introduced in Northern Ireland to provide an alternative to the team debates. The Cairde Gael-Linn fund-raising operation was restructured and a tight network of self employed agents was established throughout the country.
1998: Féile Peile Gael-Linn, a three-day sports festival for primary school pupils from Gaeltacht and Irish medium schools was instituted. The event encompassed coaching sessions and a mini league. Over the following years the festival developed with four separate football events, one in each province and one hurling event. A basic media skills course through the medium of Irish, Tús na Cumarsaide, was offered to transition year students. The course content covered basic information about the print and broadcast media as well as the basics of making a radio programme. Gael-Linn, together with Údaras na Gaeltachta and Cum.as Teo, a community development organisation in Ros Muc, co-sponsored a drama skills course for Gaeltacht youth clubs. Many clubs participated in the course, which culminated in six Irish language plays being staged in Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe.
1999: A lease on No. 3 Dawson Street, Dublin was purchased with the intention of opening an Irish language centre with a coffee shop and classrooms. (see pic.) >> In May, the Independent Radio and Television Commission, in conjunction with Bord na Gaeilge/Foras na Gaeilge, established an Advisory Committee on Irish Language Programming. The Committee consisted of representatives from the IRTC, Bord na Gaeilge/Foras na Gaeilge, Gael Linn and five independent stations. >> Gael Linn ceased its direct bingo operation and leased the three halls to a professional bingo operator on a short-term lease. >> Irish language science days for pupils of Irish medium schools in Northern Ireland and in the border counties of the Republic were organised in association with the Armagh Planetarium. An Irish language soundtrack was provided for one of the audiovisual shows in the Planetarium theatre
2000: The Irish language centre and café in Dawson Street, Dublin was opened under the name Trí D. >> A new education policy document was published. >> The Gael Linn headquarters at 26/27 Merrion Square, Dublin, were sold and a new headquarters building at 35 Dame Street was purchased. (see pic.) >> A joint venture with Granada Learning saw the launch of an interactive writing programme on CD-Rom entitled An Scríbhneoir Óg / Young Writer’s Workshop. >> Gael-Linn brought the Irish language translation of Martin McDonagh’s hit play, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, to the Samuel Beckett Theatre in Trinity College, Dublin, where it played to a packed house for five performances. >> Gael Linn was asked to take over the organisation of Bréagchúirt Chearbhaill Uí Dhálaigh, a moot court through the medium of Irish for law students and ever since it has been one of the organisations annual events. >> Gael Linn withdrew from the Board of Management of Coláiste Chomáin in Ros Dumhach, Co. Mayo.
2001: Former Ceannasaí and one of the founders of Gael Linn, Dónall Ó Móráin, died on January 11, aged 77 years. >> A series of Irish language science days, similar to those in the Armagh Planetarium, were organised at Oxford Island, Lough Neagh Discovery Centre. >> A new Gaeltacht policy was published. >>The organisation moved into its new headquarters in 35 Dame Street, Dublin. (see pic.) >> The youth arts festival, Slógadh, was discontinued and new arts activities including Siansa, Seoid, Comórtas Clár Raidió, and Coirm, were launched and added to the other schemes already being provided .
2002: Antoine Ó Coileáin replaced Herman Ó Briain as Chief Executive of Gael Linn. (see pic.) >> The group ‘Seansúil’- from the Seán Ó Treasaigh branch of CCÉ, Dublin - won the inaugural Siansa Gael Linn competition. The final was held in the Town Hall Theatre in Galway in January 2002 but within a few years the final was being staged at the National Concert Hall due to the immense popularity of the competition. >> All the new schemes launched during that school year proved highly successful.
2003
2004: Tús le Ri Chéile
2005: First year of BFT lasted 5 yrs
2006: The second level schools debating competition was divided into two separate competitions, Comórtas Uí Chadhain catering for All-Irish schools and Comórtas an Phiarsaigh for the remainder.
2007: Riobard Mac Góráin, a former Ceannasaí and one of the founders of Gael Linn died. >> Gael Linn accepted an invitation to set up a new summer college in Bun an Inbhir in the Donegal Gaeltacht. There were 122 students on the first course and the college is thriving ever since. (see pic.)
2008: To commerate 50 years of the first production of Brendan Behan’s play The Hostage in The Damer in 1958 Aisteoirí Bulfin were invited to stage the play in the same venue from 13 to 15 June. Gael Linn also published the book 'An Damer – Stair Amharclainne' by Mairéad Ní Chinnéide. >> Gael Linn began organising monthly music events in Bewley’s, Grafton St. with the title Bewley’s@6! The events gave a platform to musicians and singers of all ages and was organised totally through Irish. (see pic.) >> A cultural weekend for adults was held in Ráth Chairn. It was attended by c. 25 people and was such a success that Gael Linn decided to make it an annual event.
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013: As part of Gael Linn’s 60th anniversary celebrations Mairéad Ní Chinnéide was commissioned to write the history of the organisation. The book is titled Scéal Ghael Linn (fch pic.). >> A pilot scheme was initiated for a new scheme that would recognise English-medium primary schools for their efforts to promote spoken Irish in the school's vicinity, based on the tradition of awarding schools a flag at the end of the year as was being done by other groups such as the Green Flag.
2014: Gaelbhratach was officially launched after a very successful pilot scheme, with one fulltime member of staff. Since then Gaelbhratach has grown to include second level schools and is the organisation’s flagship scheme with hundreds of schools nationwide participating and with a full complement of fulltime staff. Gaelbhratach is now supported by Foras na Gaeilge, The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and The Department of Education and Youth. (see pic.). >> As a result of a process initiated in 2008 to coordinate and reorganise the work of the 19 Irish language organisations it funded on an annual basis, Foras na Gaeilge announced on 17 January 2014 the six lead organisations that would take responsibility for six major areas of work. Gael Linn was named as the lead organisation with ‘ Irish language Education for the English language sector and for adults, and the creation of Irish language activities for school pupils’ under its remit.
2015: First Scléip finals.
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025: In September Gael Linn took part in an organised march for Irish language rights through the streets of Dublin, together with the other major language organisations.
2026

Music

There are over 300 music publications in the Gael Linn catalogue. Musicians who have recorded with Gael Linn include Seán Ó Riada, Skara Brae, Mary Bergin, Dolores Keane, Clannad, Micheál Ó Súilleabháin, Peadar Ó Riada, Aoife Ní Fhearraigh etc.

A high percentage of this music is now available on digital platforms around the world. Some of it has yet to be digitised.

Events

One of the most important aspects of the legacy of Gael Linn is the large number of people who have been involved in Gael Linn’s activities and have gone on to achieve success in both public and private life. It is certain that the work of Gael Linn has been, is and will continue to be a success.

Teaching Material

The recordings for the Buntús Cainte teaching course were made by Gael Linn and although published as part of a television programme on RTÉ in the mid-1960s, these recordings are still a success and are available on digital platforms by Gael Linn.

Gael Linn’s work continues to compile a heritage that supports the strengthening and expansion of the Irish language. We have done this by publishing books, recording music, commissioning audiobooks, developing educational publications and increasing our presence on social media.

Film-making

Gael Linn has a long tradition of film development. Three brand new feature films, 34 shorts and over 264 newsreels are safely stored in the Irish Film Institute (IFI) Archives. Mise Éire, the first feature film in Irish produced by Gael Linn and directed by George Morrison, was a huge success. In collaboration with IFI, the Amharc Éireann collection will soon be made available worldwide in Irish and English. Gael Linn’s pioneering work in film is significant in the social history of Ireland from the 1950s and 1960s onwards.
D’oibrigh Gael Linn le roinnt de mhórphearsana scannánaíochta na hÉireann ar nós George Morrison, Louis Marcus agus Colm Ó Laoighre.

Amharc Éireann