Irish Medium Education is now firmly embedded in the culture of St Mary’s University College, located as it is in the Gaeltacht Quarter of Belfast. The College has built a sterling reputation of support for Irish medium schools through Initial Teacher Education, the production of learning resources, academic research, CPD for teachers and the hosting of events. As with all aspects of culture, people play a huge role in Irish Medium Education and at St Mary’s we are proud to have many staff who are committed to this school sector.

But where did the agency come from initially to start the Irish language revival in the city of Belfast? The answer to this question can be found at a powerful and thought-provoking exhibition at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI), which highlights the influential role of women in the revival of the Irish language. The College Principal, Professor Peter Finn, recently attended an event to mark the launch of the exhibition.

The event centred on the Mná na hAthbheochana exhibition, which was organised by the Gael Stair organisation with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It celebrated the legacy of pioneering women whose cultural activism and educational work helped sustain and revive the Irish language in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. These women were central in setting up the first urban Gaeltacht and first Irish-medium school. Professor Finn reflected on the evening, noting the courage, creativity and resilience of women—many of whom worked quietly and persistently to promote Irish as a living language and as a vehicle for education.

The event also showcased voices from the present generation, with contributions from artists, educators and students who are inspired by the legacy of remarkable women. Professor Finn reported that it was thrilling for him to see Méabh Nic Andreasa and Wendy Mistéil, two St Mary’s graduates, speaking so well at the podium during the launch. Meábh is the granddaughter of Aíne Nic Andreasa, one of the Shaws Road Gaeltacht founders. Áine attended St Dominic’s Grammar School, where she gained a place at Queen’s University with the King’s Prize, the first Catholic woman to achieve this distinction. The school closed for half a day at the time to honour her achievement.

Credit should go to BBC NI who were on hand to report on the event and the exhibition to a wider audience. Here are some links:   

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74k7ed2727o

https://x.com/bbcnewsline/status/1902089131460870387

St Mary’s University College remains committed to promoting the Irish language as well as Irish Medium education and is proud to honour the women of the Irish language revival whose work continues to inspire students and educators alike.