A Williamstown man will feature in an upcoming RTÉ documentary exploring the history of Ireland’s preparatory colleges and their role in the revival of the Irish language.
In the years following independence, there was growing concern within the newly-formed Irish Government that the Irish language was in serious decline after centuries of British rule.
In response, a number of preparatory colleges were established. Students attending these colleges were immersed in the Irish language and later trained as primary school teachers, with the aim of strengthening the teaching and use of Irish throughout the national school system.
Among those who secured a place at one of these colleges was Williamstown native Leo Finnegan, who attended Coláiste Éinde in Galway while still in his early teens. The love of the Irish language that he developed during his time there has remained with him throughout his life.
The preparatory colleges were discontinued during the 1960s, when the authorities considered that they had fulfilled their purpose.
Several years ago, a documentary was produced examining the history and legacy of the colleges. Leo and his friend of 69 years, Liam McDermott, a Donegal native who has spent most of his life in Dublin, both took part in the production.
The documentary, entitled Tumtha – the Irish word for ‘immersed’ – will be broadcast on RTÉ One on Tuesday, July 28th, at 10.25 pm
