History of gaelscoils in Ireland explored at Athlone event

A new book by historian and Irish language activist Dr Kerron Ó’Luain was launched in Athlone in association with Athlone Pop Up Gaeltacht at Athlone Library on Thursday last.

The event included a talk on the extensive research which informed the book exploring the Gaelscoil movement all across the island of Ireland. The book is titled “Cath idir an Pobal agus an Murder Machine: Gluaiseacht na Gaelscolaíochta, 1973-2023.” This translates as “The battle between the community and the murder machine: The Gaelscoil Movement.” Students of history may recognise the phrase “the murder machine” as this was the title of a pamphlet on educating Irish school children published by Padraig Pearse in January 1916.

In a wide-ranging presentation at the book launch, Dr Ó’Luain provided a comprehensive overview of how gaelscoils have developed in Ireland and also how engaging with the Irish language is an act of decolonisation. He referenced this with international context and comparison with other countries through the work of writers such as Kenyan writer and language activist Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, who often referenced the Irish language in his work on native African languages.

The book is available to purchase online directly from Iskra Books on www.iskrabooks.org. They are a not-profit and independent publisher of scholarly works in history, ecology and art.

Commenting on the event, Mickey Moran, Chairperson of Athlone Gaeltacht remarked: “The great attendance at this event demonstrates the growing engagement of people in Athlone with the Irish language. Kerron Ó’Luain’s book demonstrates it is the long history of Irish language activism which has brought the language back to life and it is certainly alive and well in Athlone.”

This event was part of a series of activities and events running this year with the Athlone Pop Up Gaeltacht supported by Westmeath Arts and Creative Ireland. The Athlone Pop Up Gaeltacht meets every Thursday night in the back room of the Snug at 9pm and people with all levels of Irish are welcome to join this informal and friendly gathering.