​St. Colman’s College proudly flying the Irish language flag

The college has become the first school in Co. Down to achieve the Irish language flag in recognition of the vibrant and flourishing use of Irish throughout the entire school community.

The student-led Gaelbhratach committee spearheaded an extraordinary programme of Irish language activities across the academic year, transforming the use of Gaeilge within the college through creativity, enthusiasm and leadership.

At the heart of the initiative were the school’s sixth and seventh year A-Level Irish students, who emerged as inspirational ambassadors for the language.

Among the highlights of the programme was an outreach initiative in which students taught Irish to pupils in two local primary schools, giving the boys the opportunity to experience life ‘on the other side of the classroom’.

The college expressed its sincere gratitude to St. Patrick’s Primary and St. Joseph’s Primary for welcoming the students and supporting what the college hopes will become an ongoing partnership in the years ahead.

In another hugely successful initiative, staff members from every corner of the school community - including secretaries, receptionists, classroom assistants, canteen staff, cleaners and teachers - took part in a six-week beginners Irish-language programme taught by the students.

The calendar of events for college students was packed with imaginative and engaging activities conducted entirely through Irish.

These included céilís with Sacred Heart Grammar School; céilís for Junior classes; a hilarious Valentine’s event with Our Lady’s Grammar School; quizzes and games; a “Bingo Loco” event for second years; a trip to TikTok headquarters in Dublin; Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations, presenting to the Irish language committee in Dáil Éireann; and an Irish language trip to Donegal.

The promotion of Irish extended beyond the classroom and into sport, with the PE department playing an active role in the initiative throughout the year.

Particular emphasis was placed on encouraging students and staff to use Irish naturally throughout classrooms, corridors and daily school life, especially during Seachtain na Gaeilge, helping to foster a genuine culture of spoken Irish across the college.

In addition to being awarded the Gaelbhratach flag itself, the students returned proudly with an additional Award of Excellence Plaque for their exceptional outreach work with local schools and staff members, an achievement described by organisers as ‘outstanding’.

The college extended its heartfelt thanks to the local Irish language community, particularly Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail, for its unwavering encouragement and support throughout the year, as well as to Gaelbhratach officers Dean Sloan and Corey Hanna for their guidance and dedication. Special appreciation was also expressed to Gael Linn and Foras na Gaeilge, the scheme funders, and all involved in supporting the initiative.