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Craic, Comhrá, and Coffee: A Gaelic Brunch to Remember at Ernie
O’Malley’s.
Gaeilge on the Menu: Language and Tradition Thrive at Special Holiday
Brunch.
On the afternoon of Saturday, December 13th, Irish
speakers gathered at Ernie O'Malley's for a Gaelic brunch. The event was
free, and Ernie's provided a special menu featuring a full Irish
breakfast or any other entrée for $25.00, with the first drink free. Tea
and coffee were also available. More than one attendee noted that the
menus being printed fully as Gaeilge was
the first sign that this was to be a special day. To their credit, Ernie
O'Malley's operated all afternoon under the motto of "Gaeilge á Labhairt
Anseo" (Irish spoken here). To keep the immersion effect going, the
management even saw to it that there were Irish-speaking staff, allowing
attendees to place orders as Gaeilge.
The primary focus of the day was to create a
welcoming atmosphere for speakers to engage with one another in friendly
comhrá (conversation).
There was a mix of different levels; attendees ranged from new students
to native speakers who grew up speaking it at home in the
Gaeltachtaí. There was
even the presence of a completely new phenomenon (at least to us
old-timers): the "online Gaeilge influencers"! It must be noted that
while the Irish was overall of a high standard, everyone was encouraging
to the newer learner.
Tim Morrissey was the MC for the afternoon and
began by welcoming all present. Next, Mairéad Ní Dubhda joined Tim to
jointly recite the Easter Proclamation,
Forógra na Poblachta. Mairéad's father,
Seamus, was a traditional Republican well known and liked both in the
States and back at home. Seamus was a Gaeilge advocate and a native
speaker from Corca Dhuibhne. Tim is an Irish language teacher in NYC who
teaches in an amiable but thorough manner, always seeking to ensure the
new learner may build confidence and overcome any initial frustrations.
He currently holds classes at Ernie O'Malley's. Tim proved vital to the
success of the day.
Next up
was Mícheál Ó Coisdealbha of Cumann na Saoirse Náisiúnta (National Irish
Freedom Committee). Mike is a native speaker from Spiddal, Co. Galway,
and he spoke of the importance of language. A long-time Gaeilge
activist, Mike also brought a number of books and learning aids that he
has used down the years teaching himself. He was delighted with the
turnout. He helped to organize language brunches in the early 2000s;
these events were lecture-based, and attendees were either native
speakers or academics. What a change in two decades! While all ages were
present, this event leaned young. This correlates to the growth and
enthusiasm for the language back home. He was delighted to speak with
young people from counties in Ireland where there had been no Irish at
all when he left home to go abroad. He was also very impressed with the
overall standard of Irish being spoken.
Then followed the function proper, allowing people
to mingle and chat, with old friends catching up and new friendships
being made. Orders for coffee, breakfast, and yes, pints, were placed
fully in Irish. Newer learners practiced by introducing themselves,
while more seasoned Gaeilgeoirí fell
into deep conversation. When the two 'types' met, the newer student
received only comradely encouragement. One innovative idea that must be
mentioned was the circulating of a questionnaire asking attendees what
advice they had for any future events. Suggestions that came to mind
were to hold alcohol-free events and a return to the lecture series,
where a topic could be picked to be discussed or debated. All the
suggestions are being taken seriously, and the committee was grateful to
receive so many.
A
traditional session led by Chris Byrne and Ursula Garry was also a part
of the cultural day. The music was fantastic and lively, with toes
tapping and 'hups' abounding. In between the reels and hornpipes,
attendees were encouraged to step forth and 'give us a song.' The rule
was that it had to be sung in Irish. Almost ten singers stepped forward,
including comedic songs, laments, recitations, and sing-alongs. Some of
the singers were Brian McCamly, Maggie Hubbard, Dáithí Mac Lochlainn,
and Chris Byrne. We don't mean to leave any others out, only we missed
getting names—send in your name and it will be added! Thank you to all
the musicians and singers who helped make the day so enjoyable. Also
available were tickets for an upcoming raffle to be held by Saoirse don
Phailistín NYC.
The
organizing committee for the Gaelic brunch included Mícheál Ó
Coisdealbha, Tim Morrissey, Úna Mac Lochlainn, and Máirtín Ó Coisdealbha,
with assistance from Joe Ó Broin, Éadaoin Fay, and Patrick Williams. It
is hoped that a larger committee may come out of this, with
representatives from the various NY tri-state language clubs and
schools, in order to facilitate both future events and assist in
coordination between them. Last but not least, we wish to thank the
owners, management, and staff of Ernie O'Malley's, who went above and
beyond to ensure a great event for all.
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