Teanga an Ghleanna - A history of the Irish Language of the Clogher Valley

The Clogher Valley is a recognisable region of Tyrone with it’s many areas of interest, rich history and it’s dynamic agricultural industry, but increasingly the growth of the Irish language has increased in the past number of years. With census data showcasing that the Irish language is being used on a more regular basis, the language is prospering across the Valley. We have also experienced great successes in within our past year.

Irish was spoken by over 140,000 speakers in the 18th Century in the Tyrone. Even though Tyrone native speakers no longer exist, it is notable to mention that the last native speaker of Tyrone died in the late 70’s. In the 1911 census, it was documented that 134 people spoke Irish in the Clogher Rural District which includes all the areas of the Clogher Valley. Most of these speakers were found on the outskirts of Augher in the Slieve Beagh and in Dumoyle, in the Foremass area. It is evident that the language has never departed from the area of the Clogher Valley, Frank J Fox, originally from Crockanboy area of the Munterlonney region was Principal of the Primary School in Ballygawley for a number of years. It is believed that he was a native speaker and he reconnected many people who wished to learn the language again in the Altamuskin area. Many people had memories of the Irish language being used including Michael Mullin (The Bard) from Foremass had memories of his mother using proverbs and other phrases. It is believed that she was a native speaker from the Drumfad area area near Ballygawley. Frank Fox noted that the Altamuskin area was one of the last areas that used Irish Idiom for the hills, heights, paths in the area. The links between the Irish language on how we speak is evident in many colloquial examples of language which are used by inhabitants in Tyrone and further afield. For example, there are many phrases which are used which can be evidently linked to their Irish counterparts;

Tá sé ag taomnú fearthainne – Which can be referred as it is teeming down

Céile (visit) – I went on my Cailey – Which can be referred to as a visit

Gonc (snub) – He will get some gunk – Which can be referred to as a richly deserved disappointment.

Seanchaidheacht (storytelling) – I had a shannagh – Which can be referred to as a having a conversation.

These language links showcase the close relationship how the Irish language has played an influence on the colloquial terminology of the region of the Clogher Valley and indeed the wider area of Ulster. In the Clogher Valley we are lucky that we have a rich heritage of literature with William Carleton and John Montague who grew up in an environment where Irish was used. Examples of Irish can be clearly seen in Montague’s work especially in the poem; ‘A Lost Tradition’ in which he mentions one of the last people in the Parish who spoke Irish and his joy of regaining an old tradition. Carleton’s childhood was influenced by the traditional Irish songs which his mother sang in his youth which had an impact on his writings in later life such as, Tubber Derg (Red Well). Finally, a resident of the Clogher Valley, Sean Mac Gear collected collections of poems and stories in Tyrone during the late stage of the 18th century which are on show in Mackinno’s Catalogue of Gaelic Manuscripts in Scotland.

Connections to Irish and English are clear to be seen and according to Frank J Fox; ‘Níor éag an teanga go réidh anseo’ which can be translated as; The language will never go into extinction here.

Pobal an Ghleanna, the local Irish language group for the Clogher Valley and South Tyrone wishes to follow on the work from Frank Fox and the other fantastic work has been evident in the local region by various people and groups over the past numbers of years. They have had the courage, energy and enthusiasm to promote and sustain Irish for all. A new era for the Irish language has begun with the newly formed Irish Language group which aims to promote and enhance the Irish language for all in the Clogher Valley and surrounding areas called, Pobal an Ghleanna. ‘Pobal an Ghleanna’ which can be translated as ‘The Valley Community’ has been formed by local Irish speakers within the Clogher Valley with the aim of establishing a greater infastructure for the langauge to develop in the years ahead. ‘Bláthú na Gaeilge i ndeisceart Thír Eoghain’ (Growing the language in South Tyrone) is our mission statement and we hope you will support us on this process.

With a year under our belt we have had a successful first year Many things including organising a; Series of Classes in St. Ciaran’s College for a range of abilities, Social Night for St. Patricks, events for the Tyrone Fleadh 2016, Preparation Course for A Level students and many other events. We have planned new and exciting activities for the remainder of this year. Our Irish classes recommence in Early September in St. Ciaran’s College for all abilities, so save the date!

Keep up to date on all our progress, work and events on Facebook and Twitter @PobalAnGhleanna or alternatively join our emailing list @pobalanghleanna@gmail.com. Please get in contact if you would like further information or if you feel that you can support and assist our work.

We would like to conclude with a toast that in Tyrone Irish;

Sláinte gan easfuí which means health without want.