Representatives from Irish-speaking schools in Kilkenny and Carlow were among the students and teachers from across Ireland’s Education and Training Boards who gathered for the first time to celebrate and commit to inclusive Irish medium education.
The youngsters from Colaiste Pobail Osraí and Colaiste Cheatharlach attended Muintearas’25 - a landmark gathering of ‘next generation’ Irish-medium education leaders. The event featured keynote speeches by Ola Majekodunmi of Fighting Words and Foghlaim TG4’s Conall Ó Máirtín, alongside roundtable discussions and showcases by students highlighting the inclusive practices in their schools.
ETB schools are the largest provider of Irish-medium education in the ETB sector, with 47 scoileanna Gaeltachta, Gaelcholáistí, and Aonaid lán-Ghaeilge. Paddy Lavelle, General Secretary of ETBI, speaking ahead of the event, said ETB’s inclusive ethos ensures all students, regardless of background, feel valued and supported in their learning journey:
“Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do in ETB schools. This event not only highlights the incredible work happening across our schools but also provides a platform for students and teachers to learn from one another, strengthening our collective commitment to diversity and equality in education.”
As part of the day’s proceedings, three schools were honoured for their exceptional commitment to inclusion. Gaelcholáiste na Mara, Kildare and Wicklow ETB, received the top award of €1,000, while Coláiste Oiriall, Cavan and Monaghan ETB, and Coláiste Cois Life, Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB, were each presented with runner-up prizes of €500. This recognition was made possible through the generous sponsorship of COGG.
Jacqueline Ní Fhearghusa, CEO of COGG, highlighted the importance of supporting inclusive education in Irish-medium settings: “COGG extends its congratulations to the Education and Training Board of Ireland for organising this event, which highlights exemplary practice in the L1 sector, particularly in the vital area of inclusion.”
Throughout the day, students and teachers engaged in meaningful discussions, gaining insights from experts and their peers. Gean Gilger, Coordinator of Muintearas’25, expressed enthusiasm for the learning opportunities the event will provide: “This is more than a showcase—it’s a chance for schools to exchange ideas, be inspired by best practices, and take new approaches back to their own communities. It’s about recognising that inclusion is not a box to be ticked but a core value that enriches every aspect of education.”
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