A plea for restoration of the Irish language in the schools

[Paddy Casey]

My grandfather, born in Clare in 1864, spoke Irish at home and around the farm. However, in school he and his fellow pupils were given a sound whacking if they were heard speaking a single word of Irish. They were then sent home with a message to their parents suggesting that they be given another whacking at home for their “transgression”. The message to the parents consisted of a notched stick, each notch corresponding to an instance of the use of Irish. Presumably each notch merited a fresh whacking.

Now here, in 1900 (Freeman's Journal and Daily Commercial Advertiser, Thursday, March 8, 1900 ), a large number of priests, managers of National Schools in Irish-speaking districts, are pleading for bilingual instruction (i.e. English and Irish) in their schools.

The Clare signatories are:
J Moloney – Ennistymon, Furglan, Lahinch
M J Tully – Liscannor, St.Broget's, Moymore, Ballycotton
Michael Crowe - Kilfenora
Sylvester Malone – Scattery, Kilrush, do. Convent
Peter J Newell – Ballyvelaghan, Turlough
Michael Molohan – Rinneen
P Glynn – Carrigaholt, Moneen, Doonaha, Querrin
L J Browne – Doonbeg, Clahanes, Baltard, Shragh, Bansha
E Power – Lisdoonvarna
Martin McGurran – Kilshanny, Gortown
Daniel Courtney – Coomeen, Cranny
Paul Keran – Ballyvaughan, Corkscrewhill, Fanore
P M'Inerny – Inagh, Gortbofarna, Cloonanaha, Synge
John Vaughan – Pitfield, Lissycasey, Fergus View, Killerk, Shannon View, Island View, Coney Island
Wm Burke – Tubber, Boston, Kells