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JULY/AUGUST 2018 THE DESERT SHAMROCK

7,000 to Celebrate the Irish Language in Dublin City Centre

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housands gathered Dublin city on April 14 for BEO - Gaelach agus Bródúil to celebrate the Irish language and its vibrant community. The crowds walked from Parnell Square to Merrion Square, where President Micheál D. Ó hUigín (Michael Higgins) addressed the crowd, along with other ambassadors and representatives. The crowd and residents of Dublin city enjoyed live music from Scannal, Delorentos and Kíla, as well as a new Irish language version of the pop hit “Teenage Dirtbag” (“Stócach Brocach” as Gaeilge), newly recorded by Wheatus as part of CEOL 2018. Speakers, young and old, took to the stage - amongst them were representatives from the Gaeltacht; from language groups around the country; and from sports clubs, as well as Bliain na Gaeilge Ambassadors Eoghan McDermott (2FM), Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh (RTÉ, Irish television network) and Lynette Fay (BBC). President Michael D. Ó hUigín gave a powerful address. During his address, the President had this to say, “For those of you who love our language but may not be confident speaking

Irish. The revival of our Irish language starts with each and every one of you. I invite everyone, starting this year in Bliain na Gaeilge, to welcome the Irish language into their lives. To experience, relearn, reengage with it. Tabhair an tarna seans dó. Dare to cherish it. Dare to value it. Dare to use it. Dare to recognise and love it as the most essential part of our culture. However much or little of the language you have, I urge you to use it. I promise you, it will be easier than you imagine!” The festival showcased the strength of the Irish speaking community, who travelled to the capital on busses from all over the country - people from Gaeltacht areas, parents and children from Gaelscoileanna, sports clubs, community groups and those who wished to show their support for the language. “There was an incredible atmosphere in the city at BEO - Gaelach agus Bródúil, and the vibrancy of the Irish speaking community was showcased wonderfully,” said Lynette Fay (BBC), one of Bliain na Gaeilge Ambassadors. President of Conradh na Gaeilge an Dr. Niall Comer said, “We gathered to celebrate the Irish language, our national language, the heart and soul of this country. 125 years on from the beginning

PHOTOS BY SITA O’DRISCOLL

BY EMMA NÍ CHEARÚIL

Ireland’s President Michael Higgins

Bliain na Gaeilge festival in Dublin

of the revival, there is so much to celebrate and to give recognition to, though there is still far to go. We are now at a new stage in the revival - and it begins with groups such as Na Gaeil Óga here in Dublin, Gaeil na Gaillimhe, An Crann Óg in Gaoth Dóbhair, Laochra Loch Lao, and, of course Carn Tóchair – a new generation who are promoting the language in everyday settings, and who are setting an example for the whole country.” Bliain na Gaeilge is a festival to celebrate the Irish language. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Aiséirí (ash-eye-ree), is an official branch

of Conradh na Gaeilge (www.cnag.ie); their branch name is Gleann na Gréine. It is an active group of Irish Language Learners; info at www.aiseiriarizona.com. Emma Ní Chearúil is Communications Executive for Conradh na Gaeilge. BEO - Gaelach agus Bródúil was organised as a main event of  Bliain na Gaeilge 2018, which celebrates the Irish language through action on various themes: the revival of the language of the last 125 years: the creativity of the language; the vibrancy of the language; the participation of the community; and the value of our Gaeltacht communities.  

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he D-backs celebrated Mother’s Day with an evening game vs. Washington Nationals at Chase Field in Phoenix. Moms were invited to run the bases after the game, along with kids 15 and younger. The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation donated $1 to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for every mom and kid that crossed home plate. Breast cancer survivor and honorary bat girl Mary McGonegle was honored during a pregame ceremony as part of a contest that Major League Baseball held that recognizes baseball fans who have been affected by breast cancer. McGonegle is a survivor of seven years and currently has two family members, her brother and his wife who are battling cancer of a different kind. McGonegle is a mother of two and was selected as the D-backs

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bat girl based on her commitment Mary with pitcher Braden Shipley to the battle and demonstration of substantial local community impact. D-backs players and on-field personnel wore pink-themed items for cancer awareness, including special caps and socks, with Mother’s Day themed baseballs and bases for the game. Fans enjoyed food items exclusive to Mother’s Day such as assorted chocolate and caramel dipped apples, and whoopie pies & frozen yogurt in mini D-backs helmet with raspberry sauce and fresh berries. The Diamondbacks, named after Arizona’s infamous diamondback rattlesnake, played against the Washington Nationals on Sunday, March 13. MAY 13: The Nationals defeat the D-backs 6-4.

Whoopie Pie creation

PHOTOS BY TAYLOR JACKSON, SARAH SACKS, ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Mary McGonegle Honored at Arizona Diamondbacks Game