The Glór na Móna team have pulled together a great programme of events as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish language week) and Féile an Earraigh (Spring Festival). This year is more significant as we celebrate Bliain na Gaeilge (Year of the Irish language) due to the 125th anniversary of Conradh na Gaeilge (the Gaelic League) and the beginning of modern language revival. Additionally, we are celebrating Féile 30 too. 
Féile an Phobail was initially formed 30 years ago by local people and activists with a grassroots approach to demonstrate the warmth, talent and politics of the West Belfast community in response to the media demonization of our community following Gibraltar and the subsequent events.
Glór na Móna director Feargal Mac Ionnrachtaigh states, “Our programme encompasses all of this as we are influenced by the principles of community empowerment, pride and ownership of identity along with civic justice. We will look at the Irish language in modern society along with community politics including women’s rights, state collusion and international 
philosophy along with a wide range of events for a new generation of proud young Gaels all over the city.”
For our first event we will have Alan Titley, writer and scholar looking at country and 
language had there been an alternative history regarding significant events in the last century. We will also have the chair of National Graves Association (NGA), renowend republican and activist Joe Austin in conversation on the events of Gibraltar and the repatriation of volunteers, Mairead Farrell, Sean Savage & Dan McCann along with the lasting impacts of that period thirty years on.
Will will also have women’s rights based events as part of International Women’s Day, we will be looking at women’s issues and history, their contribution to our community in terms of the advocation and development of
recoganation and role of women in all aspects of life. Michele Devlin and Claire Hackett will join us for the showing of A Kind of Sisterhood, This is the story of women political prisoners in Armagh and Maghaberry jails, told in their own words, the depth of suffering they endured but also their resistance to criminalisation and the strength of the bonds between them. Additionally, we will have feminist historian, Dr Margaret Ward join us for the showing of Vótaí do Mhná, The story of how Irish women obtained the vote is a story 
of organisation and bravery in the face of ignorance, indifference and hostility. Development Officer, Brónagh Fusco states, “These events looking at women and their long lasting impacts on our present. In terms of the prison protests, it is mostly men whom we hear about even though women played a central role and also made significant and personal sacrifices. As this is the decade of centenaries and one hundred year since won the right to vote even though it was not without conditions, there are lessons for our generation and they are conversations worth having in terms of mobilising and self-determination especially as we are in the middle of the repeal movement. ”
Along with Titley, Gibraltar and our women’s events, we will be showing the film that the British establishment don’t want you to see, No Stone Unturned! Oscar winning director Alex Gibney’s film follows the Loughinisland families as they singlehandedly take on the British establishment in a David vs Goliath battle to reveal the shocking truth of how police actively sought to protect those involved in the murder of their loved ones. We will 
have a panel consisting of renowned journalist Barry McCaffrey and Loughinisland Families’ solicitor, Niall Murphy.
Along with looking and examining our own history and politics, we will be looking at the 
influence of philisopher Antonio Gramsci with the showing of “Antonio Gramsci, ” a film looking at the experiences and events in the philosophy of the revolutionary thinker, Antonio Gramsci of Sardinia. There will be a discussion beforehand with the Sardanian film producers Tore Cubeddu and Antonello Zanda of Sardinia.
Along with talks, discussions and film, we will have an array of events for young people. 
Glór na Móna is widely considered throughout the country as being at the fore regarding Irish medium youth work and there is a packed programme as part of Seachtain na 
Gaeilge on top of regular sessions. Amongst the events, there will be a joint residential for 60 young Gaels throughout Belfast with outdoor pursuits activities and team building exercises along with Cumann Óige Ghlór Chollain hosting an event for 200 young Gaels from the four youth clubs across the city with games, a party and disco provided.
There will also be training for staff and volunteers with Suicide Awareness in Suicide Assist first aid and all the
Belfast youth clubs will be celebrating International Women’s Day with the young female members with feminist workshops, music, food and craic. According to Youth Co-Ordinator Orliath Mhic Leannáin, “there are almost 2500 children and young people recieving an IM education in Belfast and it is important that they have access to a comprehensive youth provision 
outside of school. We have confident, intelligent young people in the community and it is important for us to have intersectionality with an emphasis on events and aspects that have an impact on their every day lives wether that be language act campaign or women’s issues as evidenced in our International Women’s Day events. ”
Be sure to take part, all are welcome. Information on – 02890 234442 or oifig@glornamona.com
Please click on the link for full programme
