Northern Ireland

Pupils urged to speak Irish for a day

Gaeilge24 is described by organisers as "the biggest Irish language challenge in one day ever"
Gaeilge24 is described by organisers as "the biggest Irish language challenge in one day ever" Gaeilge24 is described by organisers as "the biggest Irish language challenge in one day ever"

THOUSANDS of pupils from schools across Ireland will today attempt to converse only `as Gaeilge'.

Gaeilge24 is described by organisers as "the biggest Irish language challenge in one day ever".

The aim is to encourage young people to try speak Irish non stop for 24 hours at home, school, in shops and businesses, around the town, with friends, in sports and youth clubs.

Conradh na Gaeilge said the challenge "will help to open the minds of young people and allow them to experience the Irish language in a unique and positive way".

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It is expected that almost 350 schools and 32,000 pupils will participate.

Schools may choose to teach other subjects through Irish, while sports days or tours through Irish may also be organised.

It is hoped a day of speaking Irish will help improve pupils' fluency and confidence as well as providing an opportunity to take the language out of the classroom.