Dates set for Daonscoil na Mumhan in County Waterford

The dates for this year's Daonscoil na Mumhan have been announced with the event due to take place from August 11 to 16.

The venue, as always, will be Coláiste na Rinne.

A spokesperson for the organisers said the theme for this year will be 'Deoraithe na nDéise' ( Déise Emigrants).

The theme will be explored by the line-up of distinguished guest speakers who will include Tomás O Donnchadha (Lismore and Australia), Catherine Foley (An Rinn) and Marcus MacConghail (Radio na Gaeltachta).

"Our official opening on Sunday evening will be by Monnie Hallinan, followed by our beloved Ann Mulqueen, who will entertain us and get us singing songs as Gaeilge," said the spokesperson.

"Our Poet in residence will be Colm O Ceallachain, who will hold poetry and prose workshops and preside over the Poetry Court," he added.

New to the programme this year will be the inclusion of a two-session painting and art workshop with Máire Uí Dhrisceoil.

"Because we enjoyed our Yoga as Gaeilge last year, we will have two afternoon sessions again this year," said the spokesperson.

Daily classes in An Ghaeilge, with Ceiline Ni Chóclaigh, singing with Aine Ni Fhiannusa, agus drama with Bernadette Watson will also feature during the event.

"Our Quiz Bórd, the launch of An Linn Bhuí and the Ceolchoirm with Ceilí, featuring the excellent Giúrléidi, and a night out in Mooney's Bar where Cárthach MacCraith will be Fear An Tí and direct operations are to be earmarked," said the spokesperson.

"We are in our 71st year of Daonscoil and we are proud of our traditional and modern programme," he added. Each morning An tAthair Conor Ó Ceallaigh will be present and start off the day with mass in Irish. On Thursday evening Aifreann na Daonscoile will be held at 7.pm and will be open to all. There will be free time, walks, time to chat and meet new friends and to practise your Gaeilge. Anyone interested in attending all or part of the Daonscoi is adivsed to make contact early. 

Further information is available at www.daonscoilnamumhan.com or by calling Aine Ni Fhiannusa, Cathaoirleach, at 086 2227533. Beidh Fáílte Romhat.