Dundalk’s Conradh na Gaeilge branch recognised at national Irish-language awards

Dundalk’s Irish-language community has been recognised for its contribution to promoting and strengthening the language, with Conradh na Gaeilge, Craobh Pheadair Uí Dhubhda receiving a special recognition award of €500 at Ardán 2026.

The Dundalk branch was among dozens of community groups from across the country recognised at this year’s Glór na nGael awards, highlighting the breadth of work being carried out to support Irish-language communities nationwide.

An Droichead, Belfast, Co. Antrim, was announced as the overall winner of Ardán 2026 at a major Glór na nGael awards ceremony in Óstán Chonnacht, Galway, on Saturday, 19 September 2026. The group won the top prize of €20,000 for its presentation, “Ag freastal ar shainriachtanais na dteaghlach sna luathbhlianta” (Meeting the additional needs of families in the early years).

The group developed an Irish-language support system for children with additional needs and their families within the early-years sector. A special educational needs coordinator role was created, staff received training, individual plans were developed for children, and a parent-and-toddler group was established to share information and resources.

The award was presented to An Droichead representatives Seáinín Ní Chianáin and Tara Gibney by Fionnuala Nic Thom of the Glór na nGael Board of Directors, Breandán Mac Craith of Foras na Gaeilge and Eoin Ó Droighneán of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, alongside MC Sinéad Ní Uallacháin.

The judges awarded second place and a prize of €10,000 to Pobal Eascarrach, Co. Donegal, for its presentation, “Dúchas na nDaoine” (The People’s Heritage).

Dúchas na nDaoine provides a welcoming space and local support for people experiencing difficulties with alcohol, substances or addictive behaviours. Through gardening, working with nature, conversation and support from a qualified counsellor, friendship and a healing community are being fostered through Irish.

The announcement came at the end of a lively day of adjudication, during which 32 groups presented their projects to the judges across eight different categories. The projects covered a wide range of work, including youth services, family supports, social enterprise, education, wellbeing, heritage and the environment.

More than 100 entries were received from 59 community groups in this year’s competition. The entries demonstrated the energy, creativity and valuable work being undertaken by Irish-language and Gaeltacht communities throughout Ireland.

Frainc Mac Cionnaith, Manager of Glór na nGael’s Community and Enterprise Division, said:

“It was a great privilege for us to see and celebrate the outstanding work being carried out in communities here today. Every group demonstrated the dedication, creativity and energy they are investing in creating meaningful opportunities for the Irish language and strengthening their own communities.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to An Droichead and Pobal Eascarrach, to the category winners and to all the groups that took part in Ardán 2026. The standard and diversity of the work taking place throughout the country give us great encouragement.”