Cartlann
The list of initiatives undertaken by the organisation since its establishment in 1953 is endless, many of which are aimed at young people.
Many of the photographs are from the debating competitions, Slogadh, Siansa, Three Month Scholarships and more.
The various galleries provide an insight into the work of the organisation over the years and also show how many people who have achieved fame in various areas of life, started out with Gael Linn schemes. It is a source of pride for Gael Linn that many of these are still involved in Irish language matters.
Slógadh
Slógadh began in 1970. It was based on the Eisteddfodd of Wales and the festival continued until 2001.
During that time it was recognised as the largest festival in Europe catering for young people.
Enjoy the photos and you have full permission to download any of them.
Debates
The school debates began in 1960 and are still a success. This gallery contains pictures of teams that took part between 1960 and 2005. Since 2006 there has been a Comórtas Uí Chadhain for all-Irish schools and an Comórtas An Phiarsaigh for other schools.
Have a look
Film
Gael Linn’s filmmaking journey began in 1960 with ‘Mise Éire’ which traced the history of Ireland from c.1890 to 1917. This was followed by historical, informational and other films that reflected the social life of the country during the sixties and seventies. One of the most notable features was the ‘Amharc Éireann’ newsreel series which was shown in cinemas around the country and remains an important source of social history. Watch them here
Have a look
3 Month Courses
GL started three-month Gaeltacht scholarships for primary school children in 1955. They stayed with local families (one in each house) and attended local primary schools. For a number of years in the 1960s GL had a summer college in An Cheathrú Rua, Col. Mhac Dara, and no child was allowed to attend unless they had previously completed a three-month course.
Have a look
Gael Linn Lottery
Gael Linn’s goal in 1953 was to undertake projects for the promotion of the Irish language. To do this, it was necessary to raise money from the public as support was not available from the government. There were pools in England that were based on soccer matches and Gael Linn decided to establish one in Ireland, based on the results of Gaelic games. The Gael Linn lottery continued, in various forms, until 2023.
Have a look
Famous Faces
Many people have participated in Gael Linn events and have subsequently achieved fame in some way, many in the media and music world. For example, Dara Ó Briain, Mary Hanafin and Evanne Ní Chuilinn won the All-Ireland championship in debating, and among the musicians who won prizes in Slógadh were the group Clannad, members of the Hothouse Flowers, Dolores Ó Ríordan, Kila, and hundreds of other well-known figures.
Have a look