Ballymahon's growing Irish language conversation group

A new Irish language conversation group has been growing from strength to strength in Ballymahon over the last twelve months.

The group was established by Rónán Ó Ceallaigh, who comes from a strong Irish tradition, stemming from his grandparents, and his immediate family.

Rónán steers the Irish comhrá group, “Is Maith Liom Gaeilge” which meets in the Community Library in Ballymahon, and in Cooney’s Hotel, every two weeks, speaking as Gaeilge, sharing stories, discussing everyday events, and generally having the old fashioned Irish craic, where the group are, ag foghlaim (learning). This concept, started in June 2024, and a year on it has gone from strength to strength. It’s a very relaxed group of people who gather and speak, discuss and learn, all as Gaeilge. The emphasis is to speak Irish, don’t worry or get hung-up about using the wrong grammar just speak, it’s a language like German, French, Italian etc.

Irish poetry, excerpts from the Irish literary greats, history and film, are all included in the comhrá, to make it enjoyable, and sow the seed of interest. “An Cailín Ciúin” was screened on one occasion. The Irish language is very strong in Ballymahon, with many trying to speak the couple of Irish words, ag iarraidh na cuplá focal Gaeilge a labhairt. On Christmas Eve in 2024, to add an Irish appreciation to the local Christmas mass, Rónán Ó Ceallaigh recited the beautiful poem “Oiche Nollag” by Maire Mhac an tSaoi, as Gaeilge and as Béarla. Máire Mhac an tSaoi was one of the most prolific and influential Irish language poets of modern times.

Rónán says he owes a huge, go raibh míle maith agaibh, to three key people; Ballymahon native Niall Nally of the Innyside Singers of Ballymahon; Abbeyshrule native Kathryn Keenan (nee McGoey) of the RTA Choir Longford, and Newtowncashel native music director and organist Emer McGowan.

Recently, an event to showcase the repertoire of historical Irish songs hidden away was held in Ballymahon Library, introduced by Rónán.

Members of the Innyside Singers, Ballymahon, and members of the RTA Choir, Longford, directed by Emer McGowan, delivered an outstanding engaging and flowing performance on the night.

The chosen songs were all sung as Gaeilge, which was an amazing challenge but delivered seamlessly.

The choirs were supported by Amanda Sweeney (violin), Noel Sweeney (flute & saxophone) and Jimmy Brehony (accordian).Denise Canavan, Kathryn Keenan, and Frances Kelleher delivered the chorus to the famous song, Grace.

The songs sung were “Trasna na dTonnta”, “Oró Sé Do Bheatha Abhaile”, Mo Ghile Meár” and “Grace”.

Ballymahon man Michael Conlon provided the sound expertise.