‘Ri Chèile’ Event In Inverness
Two weeks ago a group of Gaelic speaking teenagers visited the Town House, Inverness as part of the annual international Fòram Cainte ‘Ri Cheile’ organised by Comunn na Gàidhlig in Scotland and Gael Linn in Ireland.
Pupils came from different areas in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and were joined by pupils Fort William, Glasgow, Dingwall, Stornoway-Isle of Lewis, Oban, Cumbernauld-North Lanarkshire and Inverness. Over and above the debate they visited Inverness Museum, had a walking tour of the town and also had a Civic Reception hosted by The Highland Council.
Councillor Hamish Fraser, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee said: “This was a very good day with, cross border and cross language cooperation. It was exciting to see the young people from the Highlands and Ireland interacting with each other in their own respective languages. I would like to see this event expand and build on what has already been achieved.
According to Angela Macdonald of Oban High School, “This was an excellent trip with many enjoyable activities. All the talks were very interesting and lively. We got a sample of each other’s cultures, histories, the arts and good craic. We hope to be back next year .”
Topics covered this year were “How women have changed the world”, “Gaelic Televison programmes - good or bad?”, “Mobile Phones”, and”Piping”.
Seán Mac Sparráin, Cólaiste Chranncha, Bun Cranncha, Donegal was the overall winner, with Seona McClintock, Hillpark Secondary School, Glasgow coming first for Scotland and Brónagh Nic Bhloscaigh Naomh Padraig, Dungiven, Co. Derry coming first for Ireland.