Talkin' about maith generation

RESEARCH has revealed the Irish language isn't just surviving, it's thriving thanks to a massive shot of enthusiasm from young adults.

- BY DANNY DE VAAL

Forget the old notions of forced learning; a new study, dubbed “Generation Gaeilge” by Amárach Research, Gaelchultúr, and Údarás na Gaeltachta, shows the youth are actively grabbing hold of Irish and making it a visible, functional part of modern life.

The numbers are impressive with 51% of all adults nationwide claiming some level of fluency while 68% saying they want to brush up on their skills.

But the real spark is with the younger crowd. A huge 73% of under-35s are eager to get better at Irish and this isn't just polite interest; it's clear ambition.

And they're not just talking the talk - they're walking the walk. More than half of those under-35 (52%) are using Irish in everyday settings.

Nearly one in two (47%) of the under-25s are chatting as Gaeilge socially and with their mates. This blows up the idea that Irish is just for the classroom - it's becoming officially a language of the streets and social circles.