PRESIDENT OF IRELAND DELIVERS SABHAL MÒR OSTAIG ANNUAL LECTURE
The President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, delivered the prestigious Òraid an t-Sabhail at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture in the Isle of Skye today, Saturday 19 September.
President Connolly was joined by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, Màiri McAllan, for the event exploring the historic and contemporary connections between Gaelic-speaking communities of Scotland and Ireland, and the people, initiatives and institutions that have helped strengthen those connections.
The event also featured performances from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig alumna Julie Fowlis and Irish musician Éamon Doorley, together with poetry from Scotland’s Makar, Pàdraig MacAoidh, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s former Writer in Residence.
President Connolly is the third serving President of Ireland to deliver a lecture at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, following President Mary Robinson in 1997 and President Mary McAleese in 2002.
President Connolly said:
“It is a great honour to be in Skye, and in particular to have the opportunity of visiting Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.
“The warm Celtic welcome which I have received not only in Skye, but across my visit to Scotland this week has made a deep impression on me.
“This is my first visit to your beautiful island, but yet it feels familiar. The sea and rugged landscape remind me of Connemara and make me feel at home.
“The sounds of your ancient language of course carry such strong similarities to our own language, our native tongues reminding us how closely related we are as neighbours in friendship, in soul and in spirit.
“I am particularly pleased to hear of the growing interest in Gaelic today, just as we have seen in the Irish language in recent times. I hope that the recognition of Gaelic as one of Scotland’s official languages in November 2025 will continue to help build this interest in the language in the years ahead.”
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Màiri McAllan said:
“Gaelic language and culture are integral to the cherished and historic bond between Scotland and Ireland. It is a pleasure to be welcoming President Connolly to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture on the Isle of Skye, and celebrating the enduring linguistic and cultural ties between our nations.
“Just as the Scottish Government’s recent work to give Gaelic official status has strengthened support for Gaelic education, planning and community development within Scotland, for more than 50 years Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s distinct Gaelic educational offer for students has contributed not only to local language revival but economic growth across the country.”
Dr Gillian Munro Principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig said:
“It is a privilege to welcome President Catherine Connolly and the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, Màiri McAllan, to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, and to hear their reflections on the deep and enduring connections between the Gaelic-speaking communities of Scotland and Ireland.
“Our Gaelic languages are thriving and evolving through education, culture and the communities that sustain them. We hope this historic visit will strengthen those connections further and create new opportunities for future generations.”
