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12,000 girls are working towards their Irish Culture and Traditions badge
Ireland, 22/03/2016 – Thousands of members of Irish Girl Guides (IGG) throughout the 26 counties are getting into the spirit of Ireland 2016 by working towards their Irish Culture and Traditions badge.
Girls from age five upwards are learning Irish folk songs, jigs and reels, discovering Irish legends, talking about their hobbies as Gaeilge and trying their hand at traditional Irish recipes, like boxty and soda bread.
Other ways girls are working towards earning a badge include reciting poetry as Gaeilge, learning how to draw a Tara brooch and illustrate with Celtic designs, and making models of items from ancient or medieval Ireland e.g. a stone circle, rath, dolmen, fort, or the Book of Kells.
IGG Chief Commissioner Helen Concannon said: “As we celebrate the centenary of our first step towards independence, we are encouraging our youth members to learn about – and develop an appreciation for – our rich Irish culture and heritage.
“Through their badge work in their local units, they have been learning about flag-raising, which was timely given the recent Proclamation Day. Many of our members were involved in colour parties raising the flag in ceremonies throughout the country and sharing their respect for the Irish flag.”
Hannah Clarke (age 11), a member of St Rynagh’s Guides, Banagher, Co Offaly, who has been taking violin lessons since the age of six, said: “I was delighted to play the violin at our last Guide meeting as part of my work to gain an Irish Culture and Traditions badge. My great-grandfather also played the violin and my grandfather speaks about it a lot. I am very happy to continue the tradition.
“At our Guide meeting we learned how to make a St Brigid’s Cross and had the opportunity to sample traditional Irish foods.”
Martha McMahon (age 13), also a member of St Rynagh’s Guides, said: “I really enjoyed dancing the Siege of Ennis with my friends and the plays were really good too. Baking the soda bread was really fun; eating it was just as enjoyable!
“I think it’s so important to embrace our Irish identity and culture.”
Irish Girl Guides welcomes members from age five upwards and volunteer Leaders from age 18+. To find out more see www.irishgirlguides.ie or telephone 01-6683898.
ENDS
Contact:
Fiona Murdoch, Communications Officer, Irish Girl Guides
Tel: 085 8570565
Email: communications@irishgirlguides.ie
Notes for editors:
Irish Girl Guides has approximately 12,000 members. Guiding started in Ireland in 1911 and operates throughout the 26 counties with 1,800 volunteer leaders providing an informal educational programme of fun and challenging activities that foster confidence and leadership skills in girls and young women, enabling them to develop to their full potential and to become responsible citizens. Girls from age 5+ can choose to earn a wide range of badges, including Community Action, Cultural Diversity, Disability Awareness, Drug Awareness, Online Surfer, Science Investigator and Global Traveller.