Irish Language and Culture
With the coming of Irish Independence in 1922, a radical change followed in the curriculum and culture of primary schools across the country.
The new Irish provisional government, established on 16 January 1922, saw the primary schools as the spearhead of its policy of promoting an “Irish Ireland”. With this aim in view, within three months of its establishment, a National Programme of Instruction for primary schools came into operation on 1 April 1922, in which Irish language and culture were given a central place.
Following the introduction of a new teacher-training programme in 1923, a strong impetus was given to the whole Irish tradition in education. Curriculum subjects were now taught through the medium of Irish and it became the established language of the College.
While the issue of current trainee teachers being educated in Gaeilge was being adequately dealt with, the attention of the government was directed towards serving teachers in the national schools. Many had very little knowledge of the Irish language, and the situation called for immediate in-service courses and so Mary Immaculate College commenced delivering the first ‘in-service courses’ during the summer months, and continues to do so to this day.
Passing on the Torch - a History of Mary Immaculate College 1898-1998 (Published 1998), pg 25.
