Tháinig na daoine óga go léir a d'fhreastal ar chúrsaí samhraidh Choláiste na bhFiann an samhradh seo le chéile chun taitneamh a bhaint as na himeachtaí go léir a bhí eagraithe ag Tóstal na bhFiann san RDS ar Satharn 30 Lúnasa. Bhí os cionn 2000 duine i láthair ar an lá a thóg páirt sna himeachtaí, cuid dóibh sin ná amhránaíocht, drumadóireacht agus an céilí is mó dá raibh riamh san RDS. Ag céiliúradh 40 bliain ar an bhfód, chríochnaigh an lá le daltaí ag baint taitneamh as cáca breithe.

RDS hosts 40th birthday celebrations for Ireland's largest Irish Language Youth Organisation, Colaiste na bhFiann

Over 2000 young people who have attended Coláiste na bhFiann Irish courses throughout the summer months are getting together in the RDS this weekend, Saturday 30th August for the annual Tóstal na bhFiann and to celebrate 40th years of Colaiste na bhFiann. This event which was previously held in the Basketball Arena Tallaght, moves to the bigger and more prestigious venue of the Shelbourne Hall, RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin, for what promises to be a major weekend of fun and craic.

Coláiste na bhFiann organises summer Irish courses for students all around the country - Ros Muc in Galway, Rath Cairn and Warrenstown in Co. Meath, Sligo, Longford, Cnoc Beag in Carlow, Baile an Sceilg and Killarney in Kerry. Each and every one of these courses comes together for a celebration of the end of the courses for this year and to signify the beginning of the winter calendar of events. This is a fantastic day with approximately 2000 people in attendance, including young people and parents, from all over Ireland, coming together to celebrate the Irish language and their mutual interest in it.

Commenting on the event, CEO, Coláiste na bhFiann, Caitríona Ní Cheallaigh said;
"This is the highlight of the Coláiste na bhFiann year when students from all our summer courses meet up to renew friendships and enjoy the fun and excitement of learning the Irish language in a positive and passionate way. This year has been a very successful year for Irish language summer courses, with a significant increase in attendance on all Coláiste na bhFiann courses so we look forward to 2009, when we expect more young people to join us for another year of learning the Irish language in a fun and meaningful way. What makes us different is that we keep the language alive all year by providing an Aftercare service, Cumann na bhFiann. Cumann na bhFiann which is part funded by Foras na Gaeilge and also lots of fundraising by the children themselves, gives young people the opportunity to maintain their fluency in Irish and also their friendships 'as Gaeilge' through a nationwide network of Irish Language youthclubs. Tóstal na bhFiann is the first event on our winter calendar of events."

The day commences at 14.30 pm with all of the young people from Coláiste na bhFiann's '08 courses arriving and meeting all their new friends again. The young people participate in the games, songs and exhibitions on the day, all of which they learned and enjoyed on their courses. Along with the games and competitions the day also boasts a picnic, a drumming session and a fabulous céilí ending at 20.30pm. A detailed timetable of the day's activities is attached.

A fun day not to be missed!

Application forms for Coláiste na bhFiann's '09 summer courses will be available on the day.

Coláiste na bhFiann are celebrating 40 years this year and a Gala Dinner for Pastpupils will take place in Croke Park, on November 29th, 2008.

Download Irish language Press Release

Further information available:
Cristina Ni Mhóráin, T: 01-2808091, E: eolas@colaistenabhfiann.ie or
cristina@colaistenabhfiann.ie W: www.colaistenabhfiann.ie

Or
Mary FitzGerald, Mary FitzGerald Public Relations
Fitzwilliam Hall,
Fitzwilliam Place,
Dublin 2
T: 01-6694759, M: 086-2520181, E: info@maryfitzgeraldpr.ie
W: www.maryfitzgeraldpr.ie