The Native Tongue — Galway — Priest's Eloquent Plea — Urban Council Sympathetic — Galway, Thursday

Galway Observer, Saturday May. 28, 1882.

The Irish language movement in the capital of the Gaeltacht today had a much needed fillip when a deputation was received from the Galway branch of the Gaelic League at the Gaelic League at the Urban Council meeting today.

Father O'Farrell, S.J. was accompanied byFather Walsh, an enthusiast in the language movement.

Father O'Farrell said:—

We come as a deputation from the Gaelic League. We shall not delay you more than a few minutes. We have many personal friends on the Council, and do not come in any spirit of criticism, nor of hostility, nor of dictation — not even to make suggestions. You are the representatives of the citizens of Galway, trusted by them with the government of city matters. We come to place a point of view before you.

By the Gaeltact Order 1928, signed by the late Minister of Local Government, a certain condition is laid down as essential for local appointments in certain districts. Galway Urban district is one of those districts specified in the schedule No.2 which forms part of the order. In the words of the order " a person appointed by a local authority to any office, shall not continue in such office after the expiration of three years from date of appointment unless before such expiration the Ministry shall be satisfied that he posesses a knowledge of Irish sufficient to adequately perform the duties of the office through the medium of Irish."

We are proud of the name Prions—carair na Gaelracra. In fact, we are the only city in the Gaeltacth. There is more than a sentimental value in the title. We have already benefited in University College, Galway, to the extent of special grants amounting to $20,000. At the moment, a great Irish Training College, is being built on the outskirts of the city which will cost some $100,000. An Irish Preparatory College to cost $40,000 is projected; and the building at Nile Lodge has been bought for $1,600 and is being reconditioned at additional expense as an Irish Primary School. Eaidearc na Gaillime, starting grant of £2,000, yearly grant of £600. There is more, far more, than a sentimental value in the Irish language for Galway, for its shopkeepers, for its contractors, and for its citizens in general.