Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations get underway in Dundalk

Celebrations got underway in Dundalk for Seachtain na Gaeilge with an evening at Louth County Hall. 

Hosted by Louth County Council, the event began with traditional music from Comhaltas Craobh Dhún Dealgan, followed by a performance from the Irish dancers of Scoil Rince Móna Ní Rodaigh.

The Dundalk Set Dancers then took centre stage before the evening was formally opened by Joanna Kelly, Director of Services, and Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council.

After a cúpla focal as Gaeilge from Cllr John Sheridan, Leas‑Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District, Cllr Kelly presented certificates of recognition to the 15 recipients of Louth County Council’s 2026 Gaeltacht Scholarships.

With Comhaltas Craobh Dhún Dealgan’s Lorraine McMahon leading the way, guests - including the elected members in attendance – got up on their feet for a spirited finale of set dancing, bringing the night to a close.

Speaking at the event, Cathaoirleach Cllr Seán Kelly said: “Seachtain na Gaeilge is a time when we come together to honour the living tradition of our language, our music, and our dance - and that was very much in evidence here in County Hall this evening.

“To the 15 students and their families who received their scholarships - comhghairdeas! Louth County Council is proud to continue and expand this scholarship scheme, which forms an important part of our Seachtain na Gaeilge programme and our ongoing commitment to promoting Irish across the county.

“By supporting opportunities like these, and by investing directly in our young people through the scholarship scheme, we are helping to secure the future of the language for the next generation.”

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Joanna Kelly, Director of Services at Louth County Council, added: “I would like to thank everyone who helped bring this event together - our performers, our staff, and in particular our Irish Language Officer, Susan Deery, whose dedication ensures that Seachtain na Gaeilge continues to thrive in Louth County Council year after year.

“A significant part of the evening was recognising the 15 recipients of the 2026 Gaeltacht Scholarships. What was especially encouraging this year was the level of interest, with over 300 applications received, reflecting the enthusiasm young people have for the Irish language and the high regard in which the Gaeltacht experience is held.

2026 Louth County Council Gaeltacht Scholarship winners: 

Annabelle Daly, Sophie McDonnell, Grace Drumgoole, Emma Killeen, Lydia Carry, Caoimhe Kirwan, Matilda Dolan, Molly Anne Moore, Lucy Travers, Michaela Crossan, Sophie Scott, Harry Haughey, Cillian Rogers, Marie Gallagher and Ellie Smyth.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.