President commends Conradh na Gaeilge on its 125th birthday.
Date: Tue 31st Jul, 2018 | 12:36
The President, Michael D. Higgins, has congratulated Conradh na Gaeilge on the anniversary of its foundation 125 years ago today (31 July).
"Conradh na Gaeilge was to the forefront of the language and cultural revival that in many ways created the context in which the independence movement could succeed. We are all indebted to the far-sightedness of founders Douglas Hyde and Eoin MacNeill who recognised the existential danger facing the Irish language, and Irish culture more generally, in the decades following the devastation of the Great Famine. They strove to keep safe Ireland's linguistic heritage, and an ancient living language which connects us to our forebears over thousands of years. For the last century and a quarter Conradh na Gaeilge has been at the centre of efforts to promote and strengthen the language and to encourage Governments, public authorities and the wider community to embrace the language and provide it with the support that is required. Conradh na Gaeilge continues in this role today. As President of Ireland, and as patron of Bliain na Gaeilge 2018 I have been privileged to work closely with Conradh na Gaeilge in support of the Irish language, Molaim go mór iad."