Students from two Athlone schools awarded Irish language accolade

Students from two Athlone schools were awarded a Gaelbhratach (Irish flag) at a ceremony in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, last week in recognition of their efforts to use the Irish language outside of the classroom.

The two Athlone schools were joined by a third from Westmeath, Wilson's Hospital School, in securing the accolade.

Running a Seachtain na Gaeilge radio station and hosting Irish language quizzes were just some of the activities organised and run by the Westmeath students as part of their efforts to earn the Gaelbhratach.

Delivered by Gael Linn, the non-profit organisation focused on the promotion of the Irish language and the arts, Gaelbhratach is a national programme designed to encourage students at primary and post-primary level to use Irish beyond the classroom in a natural and enjoyable way.

The initiative continues to grow year on year, with 2026 marking yet another milestone in its continued expansion at post-primary level. For the first time, this year schools from all 32 counties took part.

This year, a record-breaking total of 165 post-primary schools have been awarded the Gaelbhratach — the highest number to date.

Gael Linn said each flag recognises the commitment of students and schools to promoting Irish as a living language within their schools and communities.

A further cohort of primary schools will be recognised in separate events later this year.

Speaking at the ceremony in Limerick last week, Edel Ní Bhraonáin, Bainisteoir Gaelbhratach, said: "It is incredibly encouraging to see Irish being embraced in such a positive and authentic way by young people in Westmeath and across the country.

"The feedback we receive highlights not only increased confidence in using the language, but also a genuine enjoyment in bringing it into everyday life."