Arriving last evening to launch the Fleadh Cheoil’s week-long celebration and promotion of the Irish language, Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs Joe McHugh was upbeat about his own progress with the language since his appointment.
“It is important to get over the fear factor,” he declared optimistically, and one could only wish him well as he made his way towards the Seachtain na Gaeilge welcoming party, led by Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú and an assortment of Gaeilgeoirí.
“It is coming back to me,” he told journalists, gamely demonstrating with a few words as Gaeilge for the microphones.
Some Irish language groups may have derided his appointment as “a slap in the face” because of his lack of proficiency with the language. But the Donegal North East TD has also won the sympathy vote from the many who remember with a shudder their own struggle with the language at school.
Having already done a quick refresher course at Oideas Gael in Glencolmcille, the Minister spoke more English than Irish at last night’s event and probably won’t be sporting a fáinne in his lapel anytime soon. But he did get a prolonged round of applause when he told the gathering: “tá mé ag dul ar ais ar scoil” (I am going back to school).
Lots of other people were taking classes in Sligo yesterday, as the music tuition or Scoil Éigse part of the fleadh stepped up a gear. The temporary pedestrianisation of O’Connell Street for the duration of the fleadh has made it a buskers’ paradise, adding considerably to the gaiety of local people and tourists soaking up the atmosphere.
Bars and beers
The fleadh has already spawned pop-up bars and new beers. Who knows whether he would have approved but one new tipple, Lake Isle Beer available in the Swagman bar was inspired by WB Yeats, according to proprietor Dale Barber. He described it as “crisp, refreshing and bitter”.
The Dáil bar opened yesterday morning on O’Connell Street, in an outlet until recently occupied by Wallis and was doing a roaring trade .