Ashton win prize in Comórtas Chorn Bedell Irish language competition

Ms. Máire Ní Chríodáin Irish teacher representing Ashton School, was a guest at a most prestigious reception recently at Áras an Úachtaráin. This event acknowledged Ashton School achieving an award  in the Corn Bedell Irish language competition for the third successive year, organised by Cumann Gaelach na hEaglaise.  Other Ashton teachers in involved include Ms. Deirdre McCarthy, Mr. Olan Geaney, Ms. Niamh Toibín.  The purpose of the competition is to encourage greater use of the Irish language among young people in the Church of Ireland, in particular, post-primary Protestant Schools.

The highlight of the visit was when President Michael D. Higgins spoke individually to each person present, and acknowledged the excellent work of Cumann Gaelach na hEaglaise.  A privilege for those who attended, with memories for life.

The visit to Áras an Úachtaráin took place as part of the celebration of the centenary of the founding of Cumann Gaelach na hEaglaise.

The history of the name of this competition is that William Bedell was an Essex man who became Provost of Trinity College, and later became Bishop of Kilmore.  It was he who organised the first complete translation of the Old Testament into Irish in the 17^th century.

Ms Creedon visits Áras an Uachtaráin.