Young Gaels are in action again and for a second year running with the launch of Cumann Rothaíochta Loch Lao (Loch Lao Cycling Club) this Sunday, 8th March 2015 meeting at An Chultúrlann 10:00am.

With a successful 2014, where 70 members took part in weekly cycles around the north, 36 cyclists completing a 100 mile charity cycle and a central role in Belfast’s Irish language community, Máirtín MacGabhann stated ‘It is only natural to continue with the club, to build on the club’s success and add to the fabric of Ceathrú Gaeltachta.’

The cycling club aims to build on the sterling work of 2014 by promoting the language through sporting and fitness activities. The development of the club has and will continue to add greatly to the social network and infrastructure that facilitates the use of Irish at community level. This infrastructure has been blooming in recent years, facilitating opportunities for the learning and usage of Irish in the community, especially to young people.

The cycling club aims to organise at least one weekly cycle every weekend that will provide people with the opportunity to use the language on a social basis. We also intend to organise as we did in 2014, a sponsored cycle in late August when over 35 cyclist travelled to Rath Cairn and spent the night in the Gaeltacht.

The club is now on a Facebook page under ‘Cumann Rothaíochta Loch Lao’ and Twitter. People can get all the relevant info by ‘liking’ or ‘following’ the page. Cycling club member Aodh Ó Corcráin said ‘although I have been cycling through winter I really miss cycling with all my fellow Gaels on Sundays and looking forward to Sunday’s craic’.7
He went on to say ‘I started out as someone who was never on a bike before last April and in August that year I cycled over 1000 miles with the club. I never thought I’d be so into it and encourage any new cyclist and first timers to give it a go – it could be life changing, it was for me.’ Everyone is welcome and this is a great opportunity to mix with other Gaels, add to their fitness or simply practice a ‘cupla focal’.

Máirtín MacGabhann also stated ‘The club isn’t only for fluent speakers. We want to give people the opportunity to add to their Irish. Therefore, whether you’re a fluent speaker, a beginner, a native speaker, have a ‘cúpla focal’ or haven’t got a word of Irish and would like to learn some while on your bike, come along and join us on Sunday and spread the word!

For further information, contact us on mairtin_gnm_06@hotmail.com no scairt air 07541484452