Minister Dara Calleary launches ‘Gael-Iomána’ pilot project in the Mayo Gaeltacht
-
From: Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
- Published on: 28 November 2025
- Last updated on: 28 November 2025
A grant of up to €108,075 over a 3-year period was approved for the Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim Education & Training Board last year. The grant relates to a pilot project called Gael-Iomána for transition year students in Gaeltacht post-primary schools in Mayo. Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary today announced that this grant has been extended by one year as he officially launched the project in the Centre of Excellence in Beacán. Participants will be provided with an Irish language learning programme which will include Teaching Hurling Skills, TEG Gaeilge B2, Insight into Healthy Eating and Work Experience.
Launching the project today, Minister Calleary said:
“There is a strong link between sport and the Irish language for Gaeltacht youth and it has been recognised as a key measure in the language planning process. I am confident that this innovative project and the funding support from my Department will contribute to the effort to create opportunities for young people to use the Irish language on a continuous basis both within and outside the education system. This project is an excellent example of community collaboration between Hurling Clubs, Gaeltacht Post-Primary Schools and the Education & Training Board coming together to design a project and I am delighted to support it”.
Note
This funding has been approved under the Community and Language Supports Programme and more information about that programme is available at gov.ie -