Local Gaeilgeoirs attend march in support of Irish language rights in Belfast

Thousands of Irish speakers including the Athlone Pop-Up Gaeltacht attended the 2022 Lá Dearg march last Saturday in Belfast in support of Irish language rights.

Members of the Athlone Pop-Up Gaeltacht took time out of their weekly meeting last Thursday to offer solidarity to those in the six counties organising a march.

An Lá Dearg began in 2017, when Irish speakers from around the country took to the streets demanding the Irish Language Act promised in the St. Andrews agreement be implemented.

Local Irish language activist Ruairí O’Concubhair explained:

“The fact that people in the six counties of this country are still being denied basic language rights is an indictment of the political system there. We in Athlone Pop-Up Gaeltacht offer our full solidarity to those struggling for language recognition.

“The Irish language belongs to everyone in Ireland, regardless of their background, religion or ethnicity, and it is extremely frustrating to see our language being used as a political football in the six counties.”

Athlone Pop-Up Gaeltacht, which takes place every Thursday at 9pm in Dead Centre Brewery offers a fun, inclusive environment for people of all ages and backgrounds to practice and learn the language. Newcomers are always welcome and further details can be found on Athlone Pop-Up Gaeltacht’s Facebook page, Twitter or Instagram.