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Blog 1: April 2012
Hi, is mise Eilís Ní Chaiside a 19 year old student
teacher hailing from a quiet little corner in south Derry known
as Slaughtneil. The area I come from has been much better known
for its disco that operated for over twenty years, attracting
teenagers from across the Mid-Ulster area. As I have mentioned
I am studying teaching at St Mary’s University College
Belfast my main subject being Irish. Having been taught ‘trí
mheán na Gaeilge’ up to the age of eleven I hope
to teach in the primary education sector.
The provision for the Irish language is thriving most definitely
or as they say in Irish ‘Ag dul ó neart go neart.’
How different the outlook now for this one time undervalued language,
once the preserve of the educationally elite now accessible to
all.
Now it is now a vibrant, growing and unifying language with great
thanks to initiatives such as Líofa 2015 , Bródclub
and even sporting courses in the form of Campa Chormaic- a brilliant
weeklong summer camp in honour of the late Cormac McAnallen in
which the children experience all aspects of our culture including
language, dance, sport and music, currently operating in four
of the nine Ulster counties. In some regards the Michaela foundation
is another example of the growth in our language, culture and
games. It is my fervent desire to in some small way contribute
to the beliefs and principles espoused by Michaela.
In my local area, An Carn provides an excellent network of support
for those who are both learning Irish and those who speak their
native tongue fluently. I presume being surrounded by the opportunity
to use ‘Gaeilge’ in everyday life has encouraged and
strengthened by decision to continue in this field of study.
Teaching I believe is in my blood, dating back into the early
fifties. My Granny, Betty Mackle started teaching the infants
in a small rural school outside the village of Swatragh. Having
died at a young age leaving a large family I never had the chance
to meet with her but I am continually reminded of her gentle touch
and caring personality that were and still are highly valued in
the people she came into contact with during those years. I learned
a really interesting fact last summer from a teacher that taught
alongside her for a number of years. She was indeed the first
female to make a stand against the regulations of the educational
board at that time which forced women to leave their post after
having a child. I believe this was a huge turning point in the
perception of women in education and has had a considerable impact
on the male/female ratio in the primary sector.
I first became informed of the Michaela foundation student award
scheme through the Irish News. Having followed the different promotional
events and activities organised throughout Tyrone and further
afield to raise funds and awareness for such a wonderful organisation
in Michaela’s honour I was inspired to apply. It seems the
life of such a beautiful person has touched the lives of so many
even after her premature death. I remember being in Belfast when
the news broke of this terrible tragedy. Although I had not known
her personally the short but inspirational clips broadcasted on
the news were enough to convince me that she indeed was a role
model but unfortunately it is through great grief and sorrow that
this foundation has been founded. It is my objective to keep her
beliefs and traditions alive and I am extremely honoured and privileged
to have been chosen as one of the three first ever recipients
of this award in memory for such an inspiring Gael.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a hanam dílis.
Over the course of the year my series of blogs will cover numerous
topics regarding student life. As we know students don’t
always get the best of press especially following the commonly
asked question, ‘Cá bhfuil tú i do chónaí?’
expecting the infamous reply of……’The Holylands!’
I can assure you it’s not all fun and games, well for me
anyway. Playing camogie for both county and club means I have
had little time to spend socialising round the hot spots in Belfast
but as they say ‘ Ní bhíonn an rath, ach mara
mbíonn an smacht.’ (There is no prosperity unless
there is discipline)
Go dtí an chéad uair eile, slán agus beannacht.
Eilís
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