Lord Mayor Launches Cork City Council’s Irish Language Plan 2026-2029

03/09/2026

GAA legend Seán Óg Ó hAilpín has urged people to consider tuning in to sports commentary ‘as Gaeilge’ as a fun way to engage with the Irish language.

He made his comment during an open forum and discussion following the official launch of Cork City Council’s Irish Language Action Plan 2026-2029 by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Damian Boylan, at the Millenium Hall in City Hall.

The aim of this plan is to support and promote the use of the Irish language across Cork city services and communities.

It outlines the City Council’s commitment to working with community organisations, individuals and other public bodies to highlight the benefits and opportunities associated with the wider use, visibility, and promotion of Irish in the city.

It includes a range of proposals, including to investigate and promote the establishment of a Cultúrlann (Irish language and culture community hub) in the city, and to explore the possibility of setting up suburban pop-up Gaeltachts and a city centre Gaeltacht.

“This plan is ambitious, committed and measurable,” the Lord Mayor said. 

“It underpins the commitment of elected members and the executive of the council to support and deliver specific actions. 

“It encourages community engagement through events and activities promoting the visibility and use of the language. 

“It encourages networking and cooperation across statutory bodies, businesses and the community sector. 

“In essence, this plan will assist in encouraging all the people of Cork city to engage with the language in new and enjoyable ways.”

The Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, said: “The City Council is committed to promoting and complying with its responsibility to deliver services through Irish and to raising the visibility of the Irish language in activities of the council through the communities it serves, including new communities who have shown a strong interest in learning the Irish language and culture.

“Through the City Council’s Grúpa Forbartha Gaeilge, a committee of Council made up of elected members from across the political spectrum, the City Council has funded Irish language initiatives, including adult outreach music classes, creative writing in Irish, Ciorcail Comhrá and Irish language events across the city.

“The designation of St Patrick’s Eve, March 16, as Lá na Gaeilge across the city signals our commitment to encourage those with all levels of fluency to practice their Irish in a non-judgemental and fun way across all aspects of city life.”

The launch of the document was followed by a panel discussion, facilitated by Siobhán Ní Chróinín, Irish language instructor at University of Ottawa, included contributions from Mr Ó hAilpín, Dr Niall O’Keeffe, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Cork City Council, and Laoise Nic Íomhar, Irish Language Development Officer at Barr na gCnoc in Knocknaheeney, based at UCC’s Ionad na Gaeilge Labhartha.

Dr O’Keeffe spoke about the importance and benefits of the Irish language to the business sector.

Ms Nic Íomhar spoke of the range of work underway in schools and communities to support Irish language development.

Mr Ó hAilpín spoke of his love for the language and how he uses ‘the cupla focal’ regularly during training sessions with under-age players at Na Piarsaigh GAA club.

He also described Irish language sports commentary as “an under-used resource” and he urged people to considering tuning into games with Irish commentary as another way of engaging with the language.

Copies of the plan are available from Cork City Council offices and libraries, and online from the Cork City Council website www.corkcity.ie or here: https://publications.corkcity.ie/view/9306828/

For further information contact: Chris Dorgan, Irish language Development Officer, Cork City Council at chris_dorgan@corkcity.ie