"Gaeilge needs to be made more visible around campus" - Jess Ní Mhaonaigh on Running for Oifigeach na Gaeilge
With only one candidate putting themselves forward for the part-time Executive position of the MSU’s Oifigeach na Gaeilge (Irish Language Officer), students will not see Jess Ní Mhaonaigh’s name in the ballots of today’s elections. Nevertheless, she kindly granted me an interview to talk about her aspirations for the role in the year ahead and linguistic passions, so that students know who to turn to for all things Gaeilge.
Finn: What is your name and your position in the MSU Executive team?
Jess: Dia dhaoibh, is mise Jess Ní Mhaonaigh and my position is Oifigeach na Gaeilge on the MSU/AMLMN Executive.
F: Can you recall your first day at Maynooth University on campus?
J: My first day of classes last year wasn’t very eventful, I mostly just went to my classes and went home, but I was using crutches at the time, and remember everyone being very accommodating about that.
F: What are you currently studying, and how are you finding your courses?
J: I’m doing a Double Major in Nua-Ghaeilge and History, and they’re both enjoyable. I love Gaeilge and there are some interesting module choices; for example, I’m currently doing a module focused on Sean-Nós singing [...] a traditional style of Irish singing. History also has some interesting module choices, like my current module, ‘A History of Sport and Leisure in Ireland.’
F: Has your academic experience highlighted any issues you would seek to resolve [or address] as Oifigeach na Gaeilge?
J: [My] Gaeilge course focuses on getting involved with Gaeilge outside of lectures and tutorials, through social settings. I’ve noticed a significant drop in these social opportunities since the closure of Seomra na Gaeilge last year, so I plan to push for our new Seomra na Gaeilge to be opened as soon as possible. Gaeilge needs to be made more visible around campus and on our social media pages (too). I hope to improve its visibility and student awareness of opportunities with Gaeilge
F: You spoke at the hustings (which students can read our report on here) about consistently integrating Irish in everyday student life, to maintain the pique in interest in the language during Seachtain na Gaeilge. How would you seek to accomplish this?
J: As mentioned [at] the hustings, I would push for more MSU/AMLMN activities to include Gaeilge, even if it is not the main focus of the event. I would also like to ensure services are made available through Gaeilge in all aspects of MSU/AMLMN, such as in the Info Centre, the bar, and Londis, [with it being made] clear how these services can be accessed.
F: Student engagement has been a big question around the incoming elections. Would you make yourself known and available to students through bilingual channels?
J: Absolutely, my job as Oifigeach na Gaeilge is to promote and encourage (Irish culture and) Gaeilge on campus, and that includes being available to those with an interest in learning the language, as well as those who already speak it.
F: Would you have any final words of advice for students hoping to learn and use the Irish language in their day-to-day lives?
J: Úsáid do chúpla focal! I’m always up to answer any questions people may have about using the language. You have a right to do all correspondence with the university as Gaeilge, even if that starts with something small like “a chara,” instead of using English, for example, at the start of emails. [The same goes for] “Le meas/Le gach dea-ghuí” instead of “regards/sincerely.” I would also recommend people get involved with Cuallacht Cholmcille if they want more opportunities to use Gaeilge in social settings. ‘Beatha teanga í a labhairt;’ the life of a language is to speak it, and that’s [our] ultimate goal.
F: Thank you so much! That concludes our interview, I thoroughly appreciate you reaching out to us.
Although Jess will not be listed in the ballots, we highly encourage here that students get involved in MSU activity and vote! Voting will be available both online (from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) and in person at booths (open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) in the Arts Block, TSI, Library, MSU Club Foyer, and MSU Info Centre – the latter will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Whether making your voice heard online or in person, we heartily encourage you to make time for the elections today.
Happy voting!
