This year Gaelphobal Ard Mhacha Theas launched “Scéim Forbartha agus Tacaíochta Ealaíontóirí Gaeilge Áitiúla” or the Local Irish Artist Development and Support Scheme.

The aim of this scheme was to support local Irish speaking artists to overcome both developmental and financial challenges they face by offering financial help, mentoring and professional guidance. The outcome of this project will see an increase in local artists showcasing and disseminating their work with local schools, clubs, associations etc. Furthermore, artists will be able to avail of expertise and mentorship from seasoned Irish language poets, writers, composers when needed. The financial and mentoring support will ensure that the work produced is of a high quality and thus the local community will greatly benefit of such materials.

After thorough application and assessment process, we selected a final four projects. Each artist focused on a different area but through Irish. We held a launch night where each artist gave a presentation about their work and how the funding would be used.

• Nina McQuillan – Nina is a Gaelscoil teacher in Crossmaglen but in her free time runs a business that produces digital and physical resources for teachers and Gaelscoil parents. These include cards, games, posters, diaries and more. She currently sells through her instagram and her website.
• Piaras Ó Lorcáin – At the age of 19, Piaras is already an established sean nós singer thoughout the country, singing in both Irish and English. He is currently working on his first ever EP which includes 3 songs that come from the local Oriel tradition and hopes to release it after Christmas.
• Padraig Ó Tiarnaigh – Padraig is a local writer and researcher who has a PHD focused on folklore collectors. He is currently writing a book about Donegal folklorist Seán Ó hEochaidh. The book will be published by Eabhlóid and will be titled “Seán Ó hEochaidh: Bailitheoir Béaloidis”.
• Ian McMillan – During the pandemic Ian released a series of Irish lessons on youtube called ‘Speaking Irish’. It is focused on speaking Irish in the Ulster dialect and with realistic everyday uses. The videos are available on youtube and he is currently working on the next series.

This scheme was made possible tanks to funding from Newry, Mourne and Down disrict council.