The Sruth na hÉirne Irish language event marking the start of this year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge festival of the Irish Language in the Enniskillen district has been described as a ‘Tour de Force’ by one member of the audience.

The first event of the festival held in Charlie’s Bar on Friday night left its mark on the 50 plus strong audience who were held spellbound by the local Irish language author and historian Seamas MacAnnaidh.

The bilingual talk aimed at raising the profile of the language attracted attendees from throughout the council district including a recently arrived Ukrainian refugee.

In Gaeilge and English Seamas presented a truly magical insight into the many townlands, place names and streets of the Enniskillen district.

Adding value to the 90 minute proceedings were invaluable contributions from the floor, including from local historian, Frankie Roofe.

Closing the event Seamas MacAnnaidh expressed his delight at witnessing and engaging with an increasing number of people freely talking Irish in the centre of Enniskillen.

“Nearly every day you can hear Irish being spoken on the main street, never mind the increase in activities in Irish such as the well attended event tonight.

“It lifts my spirit to see this and it gives me great satisfaction in saying so,” he concluded.

Seachtain na Gaeilge is promoted jointly by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Conradh na Gaeilge. Sruth na hÉirne is a local branch of Conradh na Gaeilge.

Further information can be obtained on events by contacting the secretary, Jim Ledwith at 07971075955 or jimledwith@outlook.com