'It promises to be a weekend of fun': Cork town to host first Féile na Gaeilge
The West Cork village of Ballydehob is hosting its first-ever Féile na Gaeilge, a festival dedicated to the Irish language. The event was organized by local residents to encourage the use and practice of Irish in a social setting.
Why it matters
The festival highlights community-led efforts to promote and revitalize the Irish language in rural areas.
Committee members and helpers for the Féile Na Gaeilge in Ballydehob
It takes a village to organise a whole new festival as Gaeilge. And that’s just what a group of creative and enthusiastic people have done in Ballydehob.
Simon Hassett, from the West Cork village, is the man with the ‘can do attitude’ who initially thought up Féile Na Gaeilge, which takes place this weekend.
“The festival was my idea - originally!” he says.
“So many people have now contributed with original and creative ideas that I can’t possibly call it my own anymore!”
Simon explains: “We had a WhatsApp group for the Ciorcal Comhrá and called a meeting. It snowballed! An elective committee emerged and formed. Bar owners, locals and blow-ins, something for everyone.”
Where did Simon first get the inspiration for Féile Na Gaeilge?
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