Irish language minister Joe McHugh has returned to the classroom – as a teacher.
The Donegal TD hit the headlines in 2014 when he was appointed Minister for the Gaeltacht, even though he couldn’t speak Irish.
Then, Taoiseach Enda Kenny faced a barrage of criticism over the appointment and the Fine Gael TD struggled to speak the language in media interviews.
However, McHugh studied at Oideas Gael in the Donegal gaeltacht village of Glencolmcille and went on to master the language.
He was reappointed as Minister for Gaeilge and the Gaeltacht by new Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in June.
And yesterday he also returned to Oideas Gael – this time to teach.
Said McHugh: “I wanted to share what I have done with the language over the past three years with others and Oideas Gael asked me to take a class with people who are in a similar position to where I was.
“So in the class are people who maybe were brought up with Irish but haven’t used it for many years and others who have a bit and are maybe a bit afraid to use it.
“The classes are about getting over that fear, giving tips on how I got over that fear.”
During Monday’s class McHugh even sang an old Tory Island song, joking with students: “If I’m prepared to embarrass myself like that, then it shows that you can take chances to learn.”
Among those in the class are a local publican, a chipper owner and even the local Garda Odie McBride.
Garda McBride said: “Joe’s journey is one that many people around the country have followed because many of us are just like him – maybe have a bit of Irish and want to use it more.
“The classes are fantastic; I’ve picked up loads of useful tips which I can use and I’m looking forward to the rest of the week.”
McHugh says he’s enjoying the experience.
“Speaking Irish is all about using it in our local communities and not being worried about making a mistakes,” he said.
“Loads of people have some Irish they can use and we must do everything to encourage it.”
Tags: