THE Annual Conference of Cumann na nOifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge (COFG) (Association of Irish Language Development Officers) took place in the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny last week.
This was the first time for the Conference, held in partnership with Rannóg na Gaeilge and Donegal County Council, to be held in Donegal.
Among those in attendance were representatives from Senior Management and elected members of Donegal County Council, Irish Language Officers from other Local Authorities, Language Planning Officers and Irish Language Officers from State Departments, Educational Institutions and Public Bodies.
Róise Ní Laifeartaigh, on behalf of Rannóg na Gaeilge, Donegal County Council extended a warm welcome to the members of the Association.
“It’s an honour and pleasure for Rannóg na Gaeilge and Donegal County Council to welcome COFG to their Annual Conference,” she said.
“It is a particularly special occasion as it’s being hosted in Donegal for the first time. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other, share information and learn about how we in the public sector across the country, are striving to implement the provisions of the Official Languages Act, 2021 as well as the commitments in our language schemes.”
On Thursday evening, Gréasán Gaeilge na hEarnála Poiblí organised an ‘Oíche Chéilí’ – a social event, alongside Rannóg na Gaeilge. Gréasán na Gaeilge was established almost two years ago to sustain and encourage the Irish language within the public sector. It provides support and opportunities for those who wish to learn, to use or to practise Irish outside the workplace.
Cathaoirleach of Coiste na Gaeilge, Donegal County Council, an Cllr Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig officially launched the Conference on Friday morning. He gave an insight into his own journey with the Irish language as a working language since being elected as a councillor in 2014 and the opportunities and challenges that come with it.