STUDENT TRIP TO IRISH LANGUAGE POETRY FESTIVAL

A cohort of Diploma students from Aonad na Gaeilge and a number of MA students from Léann na Gaeilge enjoyed a recent trip to the Kerry Gaeltacht of Baile an Fheirtéáraigh for the annual poetry festival 'An Fhéile Bheag Filíochta'. Also in attendance were lecturers and teachers Sorcha de Brún, Dubhán Ó Longáin and John Prendergast. The weekend comprised a series of poetry readings, workshops, walks, a concert, a book launch as well as an open mic and many guest readings. The weekend was a fantastic opportunity for University of Limerick students to meet local people, to integrate into the Gaeltacht community albeit for a short time, and for the University of Limerick to deepen its connections with the Gaeltacht. After the Saturday night concert with John Spillane, the group retired to the well-known Ballyferriter pub, Tigh Uí Chatháin, home of sean-nós and singing club 'Siar Ó Thuaidh' and venue for contemporary music. A TG4 film crew who were in the area also added to the general vibrancy of the weekend. Perhaps one of the highlights of the weekend was the powerful recitation by Léann na Gaeilge lecturer Dubhán Ó Longáin in Tigh Bhric on Friday night of one of his own poetry compositions. A trip enjoyed by all!