Saturday saw the return of Feis Charn Tóchair. I think many will agree, what a day? An Carn and the committee were delighted with the uptake of the Feis and the high number of entries this year. There were just over 650 entries in total across all of the competitions. The aim of the Feis is to celebrate the Irish culture and the revival of the Irish language. The competitions included poetry recital, conversation, art, scholarship award, Fáinne, writing competitions and music competitions. After weeks of publicity, the entries began coming in. A hectic couple of weeks ensued pulling the timetable of the Feis together and then in the final stages, setting up all the rooms in time for the big day. An Carn staff and committee, would like to thank the whole host of volunteers and adjudicators who gave their time to help the day run smoothly. We were also blessed with fantastic weather which enabled families to relax and mingle outside in between competitions and enjoy the tasty coffee and treats from An Croí Coffee House & Bistro and the BBQ organised by Naíscoil Charn Tóchair. Its fair to say, the place was buzzing and it was very clear so many were keen for the Feis to be a live, in-person event again.

It was fantastic to see so many schools represented at the Feis and more so to see delight on the faces of all the children taking part. For the families of Gaelscoil and bunscoil children, a day like the Feis, shows that by sending your child to Irish medium, you are part of the much wider Irish language community.

Coiste Forbartha Charn Tóchair / Carntogher Community Association would like to acknowledge the funders of the event, Mid Ulster Council, Foras na Gaeilge and Conradh na Gaeilge.