Fúinn
About
Conradh na Gaeilge is the democratic forum for the Irish-speaking community. It has over 200 branches and numerous individual members registered around the world, members that work hard to promote the use of Irish in their own areas. It’s main aim is to promote the use of Irish as the standard language in Ireland. Conradh na Gaeilge was established by Douglas Hyde, Eoin Mac Néill, and their colleagues on the 31st of July 1893. The organization runs Irish-language courses; advocates for the language rights of Irish-speakers; raises awareness about the language; hosts the international Irish-language festival Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia; manages the Irish-language information hub PEIG.ie and the Irish-language bookshop An Siopa Leabhar; supports Raidió Rí-Rá; and much more. More information: www.cnag.ie
Board of Directors
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Arge O'Neal (President) is one of the founding members of the Los Angeles branch of Conradh na Gaeilge and is currently serving as its Vice President. Giota ar ghiota (bit by bit) Arge has been studying Irish for the last 20 years and over that period has spent some time in Gaoth Dobhair and Oideas Gael in Gleann Cholm Cille (not to mention many a Deireadh Seachtaine Gaeltachta here in the US) advancing his understanding of the language and culture. He originally began studying the language out of his own personal curiosity and to share it with his children, but has recently been given the opportunity to teach the introductory and lower intermediate classes in Culver City. Since the pandemic hit, he teaches online. A television editor by trade, Arge looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm and learning from each and every one of you!
Caitríona Weafer (Vice-President). Born and raised in Ireland, Caitríona is a qualified primary school teacher (B. Ed. H.Dip) and Irish dance teacher (TMRF). She taught in an elementary school in Ireland and in the summer, took her students to Connemara where she taught summer classes. She lived in Japan for four years and taught Japanese in Dublin when she returned. In the States, she got a degree in Spanish (MA) and taught Spanish and Japanese in elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as Spanish at Community College level. With her experience teaching various languages, Caitríona decided it was time to focus on her own language and co-founded the L. A. branch of Conradh na Gaeilge (The Gaelic League). A proud moment was when the first TEG exam was held at the LA Immersion Weekend in 2019. Caitríona truly loves sharing the beauty of Irish and how to get fun out of learning with people all over the world.
Tanya Klein (Language Ambassador) started learning Irish almost three years ago and was shocked when she got 100% on her Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) general Irish proficiency exam last year. However, she still feels like a total beginner. She loves the language as well as the beautiful Irish countryside. When she isn't learning Irish, Tanya is a screenwriter and activist. She is thrilled to continue her Irish journey while also facilitating opportunities for other people to start on their path to Irish proficiency.
Ramona Reeves (Board Member)
Ramona is the pioneer who brought the Irish Immersion Weekend to Los Angeles even before Conradh na Gaeilge in LA was born. Ramona learned Irish both in America and in Ireland and then learned first-hand how immersion weekends worked in San Francisco. Working with Oideas Gael, she got the best of advice and teachers from Ireland to run immersion courses. It was Ramona who co-founded the LA branch of Conradh na Gaeilge and it was she who was instrumental in getting it Non-Profit status. She has previously served as Treasurer and brings a wealth of experience, talent, and inspiration to the board.
Kristin Bodt (Social Media)
An artist and graphic designer, Kristin brings a wealth of experience to the social media team. Irish must keep up with trend on Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok etc. and Kristin is there to help us reach as many people as we can.
Kristin has been studying Irish in LA and even travelled in from the Mojave Desert to study (successfully) for her TEG exam. We are so proud of her.
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Aoife O'Connor (Social Media)
Aoife was raised in Belfast and is a Berkeley graduate in Music. She performs traditional Irish music as well as working with Broadway and film and TV, including music for the Oscars. She is here to bring us up to date with engaging with the best of LA and promoting Irish here as best we can.
With language, music, and social media skills, she is our newest addition to the CnaG LA team and already busy with bright new ideas. We are lucky to have her!
Christopher Hurley (Treasurer) has recently celebrated his first year anniversary with his amazing and lovely wife, Eve. A dedicated young professional, Chris enthusiastically took the reigns of the organisation and was the key producer in our recent Immersive Weekend. Chris has extensive family and friends in Ireland and is also a part of the Culver City Cougars and the newly formed LA Hurling Club.
Tim Shiner (Secretary) has worked in the entertainment industry since attending Kent State University and Wright State University. Mr. Shiner has a long-standing connection to Ireland through family and friends including currently studying History and Literature at Dublin City University as well as studying Gaeilge at CnaG LA.
Tim's technial skills have steered CnaG LA in its journey online during the pandemic and especially during the Irish Immersion Weekends online. He has been a great asset to the organization.
Ní neart go cur le chéile.
There is no strength until we put [our talents to work] together.
Our Mission
The Constitution of Conradh na Gaeilge
This English copy of the Costitution is currently being updated. The most recent version of this document is available in Irish at cnag.ie/bunreacht.
(a) Name, Aim and Objectives of the Organisation:
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Conradh na Gaeilge is the name of the organisation
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The aim of the organisation is to revive the Irish language as the common language in Ireland
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The objective of the organisation is to encourage people to work on behalf of the aim by, including the following:
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increase the amount of Irish language speakers;
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increase the number of families raising their children through Irish;
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provide support, services and facilities to enable people to live their live through Irish;
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increase the status of the Irish language de jure and de facto in Ireland and abroad;
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add to the number of organisations, institutes, educational institutes, companies and events that operate through Irish;
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stand by the supremacy of the Irish language as the community language in Gaeltacht areas and create new Gaeltacht areas;
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lobby on behalf of the Irish language;
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represent the Irish language community;
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Disseminate the aim and objectives of the organisation with promise and action
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The main characteristics of the organisation are: democracy; openness; involvement; equality; inclusivity; dignity; and personal rights.
Our Vision
Our vision is to keep the Irish language alive and thriving, here in Los Angeles and beyond!