The annual Irish department’s presentation at St. Michael’s College took place on Thursday, April 11.

The Fáinne Airgid was presented to Year 10 students and Fáinnne Óir to A Level students.

Also this year, Year Eight pupils also took an oral exam to qualify for the “Cúpla Focal” award.

“Gradam na Gaeilge” was awarded jointly to Odhrán Harbinson and Darragh Collins as highest achievers in the Fáinne Airgid exam.

Guest speaker on the night was Conall Ó Máirtín, producer and presenter with the BBC, who gave a motivating and entertaining speech to the students and parents in attendance.

Speaking about the evening, Irish teacher Maighréad Ui Chaoilte commented: “We’re delighted that so many of our students have been awarded the Fáinne Airgid and the Fáinne Óir. The presentation night highlights our commitment to the promotion of our Irish identity and culture.

“The guest speaker on the evening, Conall Ó Máirtín, Irish language producer and presenter with the BBC, spoke with enthusiasm about his own experience of learning and working with the language. He told the boys of the central role that the Irish language had in every aspect of his own life and experiences, and of the opportunities that had been afforded to him. “In his speech he motivated the audience of pupils and parents to be proud of their language saying: ‘Téann sé go smior ionainn’, emphasising the integral value of the language.”