Confusion over advertising event during this year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge in Laois

THERE was confusion as to whether Laois County Council could advertise a ‘pop-up Don Phalaistin’ event as part of this year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge in the county.

During the February meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District Council Independent councillor Tommy Mulligan proposed that such an event be included in the council’s advertised itinerary for Seachtain na Gaeilge.

In a reply to his proposal the council’s acting director of finance and arts Julie Bergin said: “Regarding library events during Seachtain na Gaeilge, the library service primarily hosts events that promote the Irish language and culture in line with the national initiative. The library service does not hold events of a party-political nature.

“As for hosting an event showcasing the culture of other countries, we will consider the suggestion when planning our other multi-cultural programmes throughout the year, such as World Refugee Day, Culture Night and similar events.” 

Cllr Mulligan said: “A pop-up gaeltacht is just a gathering of people. It offers the opportunity to converse as gailge. We’ve had it here in Portlaoise since 2018 headed by the past principal of Phortlaoise Gaelscoil Siobhan Ni Chuinn.

“All we are doing for Seachtain na Gaeilge is organising a different type of night sperate to the pop-up gaeltacht, which is called pop up Don Phalaistin. In addition to conversing as gailge there is going to be, singing, music and poetry.

“That is it. On the night there is going to be a collection or donations to go to the Irish Red Cross that are working in Gaza. That’s all it is. As a county council we’ve backed the Occupied Territories Bill and spoke of the disgrace of the genocide that is taking place, but unfortunately the Government has not enacted the Bill, yet.” 

Cllr Mulligan said: The pop up Don Phalaistin was a way we could have shown our support through our own Irish culture towards what’s going in in Palestine and in Gaza.

“I’m disappointed with the response. The line in the reply I don’t like is ‘events of a party-political nature’.” 

 The Independent councillor asked: “What party am I? This isn’t being organised by a political party, it’s a pop up gaelteacht. A group of Irish speakers – our group Cúpla Focal. It’s not a political party.” 

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley supported the motion to advertise the event.

She said: “I’m also disappointed with that particular part in the reply, party political. There’s no party politics involvement with the group Cúpla Focal. They’re just a group of people who love speaking and promoting the the Irish language. They are holding an event and all the money collected on the night will go to the Irish Red Cross.

“I think that what has happened here, is that maybe the person who replied to Tommy’s motion may not have quite fully understood what it is about. I’d ask that Tommy’s proposal goes back to the council for reconsideration, because it’s not a party political event. It’s about supporting our Irish language, which I am proud to do and at the same time trying to gather money to support those in the Red Cross who are working in Gaza. I don’t know how anyone could have a problem with that.” 

Director of Services at the council Simon Walton said that councillors had unanimously agreed to cllr Mulligan’s motion that he now understands that the once off event will be held and that all donations be given to the Irish Red Cross.

Cllr Mulligan said that all he was requesting is that the pop-up Don Phalaistin – time, venue and event - be included in the council’s advertised list of events for Seachtain na Gaeilge.

The pop-up Don Phalaistin event takes place in Ramsbottom, Lower Main Street, Portlaoise on this coming Saturday 1 March.

This year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge events in Laois runs from Saturday 1 to Monday 14 March.