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Irish-speaking Santa hits
town
12.12.08
AN Irish-speaking Santa
is expected to visit Inishowen today for the opening
of 'An Nollaig – The Christmas Story' in Buncrana.
The event at Lower Main Street in the town promises
a "Christmas centre with a difference" and is
sponsored by An Naíonra Gaelach.
"It portrays the true story of Christmas and
explains how some of our present customs celebrating
the feast have been derived," explained Máire Furey,
vice chairperson of the Naíscoil and Cultúrlann
BhunCranncha.
It hopes to explain why we use Christmas cards, give
presents and decorate our houses with holly and
mistletoe.
It will also ask children if they know what people
do differently in other countries at Christmas; ask
them in how many languages they can say 'Happy
Christmas' and teach them how to say it in our own
native language? |
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Buncrana’s Naíonra
Gaelach is part of a community project which aims to
bring the Irish language alive again among the
people. Every year, around 40 children aged 3-5
years attend the Naíonra’s childcare, pre-school
service, usually for two to three sessions weekly.
They are encouraged to play and sing and work
together, thus picking up the Irish language in a
very natural, |
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fun-filled way.
"The Christmas Centre represents an attempt to keep
alive in the community not only the Irish language
but also the true meaning of the very first
Christmas through out the world," added Máire.
If you would like to bring along a special young
person, or just to come yourself and enjoy a cup of
tea while you browse, everybody will receive a Céad
Míle Faílte. There are also gifts on sale including
bi-lingual cards and a limited selection of
multi-lingual cards which include Christmas
greetings in the languages of all the people who
live in Buncrana or who are frequent visitors. A
free copy of the Christmas story and a small gift
will be given to every visitor and the admission
charge is only €2. As An Naíonra Gaelach is a
not-for-profit, voluntary, community group (with
charitable status), all sponsorship and donations
will be gratefully received. Meanwhile, Máire hinted
there was a good chance that “Dáidí na Nollag”
(Santa) might drop in after 12pm on Friday and
Saturday. Call 074 9363736 between 8.30am and 2.30pm
to confirm. |
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