Derek Hollingsworth
Blogger, Tweeter, currently writing a book on the Irish language, Irish language learner, co-founder & volunteer with Pobal Gaeilge 15.
Background
I grew up in Templeogue in Dublin in a confirmed English-only environment, and left school with a very poor standard of Irish, and little interest – but some respect and curiosity. Years later, a Gaeltacht native brought home to me the personal responsibility I needed to take if I wanted the language to survive and thrive. She said ‘If you want the language to survive, you must either raise your kids through Irish, or send them to a Gaelscoil or to the Gaeltacht‘.
Inspiration
In 2011 I spent some time in a Gaeltacht area where it was evident that Irish was no longer the community language. I was really shocked by this stark fact. I decided I needed to take some responsibility for my own language – though I didn’t speak it and knew only a few words. Inspired by people like Manchán Magan, Brian Stowell, Joshua Fishman, Des Bishop’s In the Name of the Fada, and Bernard Dunne’s Bród Club, I started taking tentative steps to learn some Irish. I commenced a stop-start process of learning Irish that continues to this day.
Action
Following the ‘DIY’ ethic of punk, I founded ‘Muintir na Gaeilge Ongar’ to promote the Irish language in Dublin 15, where I live. This had mortifying consequences when I was the only one of the organisers that turned up for an Irish-language event for Seachtain na Gaeilge in 2012. Apart from members of my family and friends, about 10 people came and I couldn’t speak a word of Irish to to any of them except ‘Hello’, ‘How are you?’ and ‘Goodbye’! Thankfully, Paula Melvin (currently Uachtarán, Conradh na Gaeilge) came on board that night and, with a team of committed volunteers, we later formed ‘Pobal Gaeilge 15’.
Pobal Gaeilge 15
Pobal Gaeilge 15 organised a Grúpa Tuistí agus Leanaí (parent & child group), Irish classes for beginners and improvers, various social events and an annual Féile. I believe our Féile was amongst the best attended Irish-language events in the country during Seachtain na Gaeilge for several years with attendances of 350-450 people. I should also mention our friends Fergus Ó Loinsigh and Carolyne Lindsay who played key roles in organising a grass-roots campaign to set up Coláiste na Tulchann in Dublin 15.
Writing
Around 2013 I started research with a view to writing a book on the attitudes and psychology impacting the use of the Irish language. In 2017 this, and my work with Pobal Gaeilge 15, came to a temporary stop when I had to focus on personal issues. In 2020, with working from home during Covid eliminating my commute and meaning I had extra time on my hands, I started working on the book again. This journey of discovery has led me to some very interesting language-related stories, and I think they will be of interest to others too – hence my decision to put some of these ideas and concepts out there via the Irish Language Matters blog. Most of the content here will involve simply highlighting the valuable work of others and sharing it, or reflecting on my own experiences. I am not a native Irish speaker, linguist, historian, Celtologist etc. I am an Irish language learner who believes that the Irish language is the most important cultural asset of the Irish people.
This blog
This blog aims to be non-political – there are other forums for that. It is written in English because I am not yet fluent enough to speak, write or fully express myself in Irish. I also hope to possibly bring along 1 or 2 people like me – those who have thought about learning Irish but haven’t yet made the leap. I will not be a regular blogger as I am too busy with work, kids and the book; so I will aim for quality over quantity and see how that goes!
Me
Following from my interest in Psychology, I have a B.A. (Hons) in Psychology and a Masters in Counselling & Psychotherapy. I am very interested in the attitudes, psychology and power dynamics that shape language use. I believe my children and theirs should have access to their own languages and cultures. I am passionate about our potential to create positive change in our own lives. I work as a public servant. I love travel, music and physical fitness, but my most important and enjoyable gig is as Daidí.
I hope you enjoy the pieces you’ll find on this site! Bainígí taitneamh as!
If you wish to give something small towards the cost of running the site, my Revolut is @derekis3j
Irish Language matters 