Pictures: Kilkenny's Failte Isteach tutors and participants celebrate achievements at Fr McGrath Centre

Volunteer tutors and participants of the Failte Isteach programme were honoured at their awards ceremony by the Mayor of Kilkenny last week.

Over the past 14 years, the Failte Isteach English Language Awards has stood as a testament to the perseverance and commitment of the volunteer tutors, the participants and the support of the Fr McGrath Centre. Mayor Andrew McGuinness made the short journey to the Butts to present the awards in the centre.

The awards ceremony is not just an acknowledgment of academic progress in the English language - it is a celebration of the human spirit. Each year, recipients gather with their families, tutors, and community leaders to acknowledge the progress they've made. For many, learning English was a daunting journey.

Some arrived in the country with little to no knowledge of the language. Others had interrupted education, having fled war, persecution, or economic hardship. Yet through sheer dedication, they attended the classes, practised daily, and gradually found their voices.
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“Interaction is a cornerstone of language learning,” said coordinator Theresa Delahunty. “Participants are encouraged to speak from the very first day, even if only to say a few words.”

Group activities, role plays, and conversation provide opportunities for real-life practice. These interactions build friendships and foster understanding between people of vastly different backgrounds. They break down stereotypes and promote empathy, as participants discover shared values and experiences

In conversation with the award recipients, they expressed how learning English has opened doors - not only to education and employment but also to understanding and friendship. It enables them to interact more confidently with neighbours, teachers, healthcare workers, and local businesses. One past recipient put it simply: “Before, I was silent. Now I can speak.”
The awards ceremony is also an opportunity to thank the selfless contributors. Their commitment ensures that the Fr McGrath Centre continues to be a nurturing space where everyone, regardless of background or literacy level, feels welcome and capable of growth. Volunteers play a critical role in maintaining small class sizes, offering one-on-one support, and helping learners practise outside of formal class time.

A number of community Agencies were represented including Kilkenny Leader Partnership who have provided constant support to the project and who coordinated the delivery of the delicious refreshments, also the Volunteer Centre, the Public Participation Network (PPN), LAIT the Local Authority Integration Team, and St Canice’s Community Action (SCCA), equally instrumental in making the Failte Isteach Project a success. These agencies all act as bridges between participants and the wider community and are pivotal to integration with the community.

The commitment of the volunteers was acknowledged by Stephen Murphy Director of Services St Canice’s Community Action as they too were presented with awards for their sterling work.

Also recognised for their work were the team running the project, Theresa Delahunty Coordinator, Margaret Birnie, and support worker Grainne Foran.

The continued success of the Failte Isteach project itself speaks to what is possible when communities invest in inclusion and education. It shows that with the right support, individuals from all walks of life can overcome linguistic barriers, integrate fully into society, and make meaningful contributions.

Failte Isteach runs in the Fr McGrath Centre every Wednesday morning. The new term commences in September 2025.