Do we need more Irish speaking secondary schools?

About this episode

The episode discusses the need for more Irish speaking secondary schools in Ireland, focusing on a campaign in Castlebar, Mayo.

A recent campaign set up in Castlebar in Mayo is calling for the introduction of an All-Irish speaking secondary school to cater for primary school students seeking to further their education as Gaeilge. Four towns in Mayo have primary schools as Gaeilge, yet nowhere to continue their secondary level education in Irish. This means that students are at risk of losing their love and interest in the Irish language… Is this a regular problem across the country as a whole, and do we need more Irish speaking secondary schools? Joining Andrea to discuss is Frainc Ó Clochartaigh, a member of this campaign, Claire Spanaic Services Manager with Gaeloideachas, Director of Aonad Loch Gile, Debrah Ni Cheallaigh and Principal of Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré, Liz Nic Searraigh.

People in this episode

Host: Andrea

Guests: Frainc Ó Clochartaigh, Claire Spanaic, Debrah Ni Cheallaigh, Liz Nic Searraigh

Topics covered

• Irish language education
• secondary schools
• Gaelscoileanna
• Mayo
• cultural preservation

Keywords

• Irish speaking schools
• education
• Gaelic
• Mayo
• language preservation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Gaeloideachas

Places: Castlebar, Mayo, Ireland

More episodes of Lunchtime Live

• Have You Been To? - Antrim’s Hidden Gems · June 12, 2026 · 10 min
• Are you getting back into VHS and cassette tapes? · June 12, 2026 · 9 min
• Are the summer holidays too long for schools? · June 12, 2026 · 20 min
• 8-year-old’s golf bag damaged in flight - listener experience · June 12, 2026 · 13 min
• Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty · June 12, 2026 · 12 min
• ESB solar panel glitch - are you impacted? · June 12, 2026 · 17 min