The latest plans for a new state of the art Irish language Interpretive Centre have been unveiled to Irish America.
Perched atop Spórtlann na hÉireann on the Falls Road, An Spás Dín is envisaged as a state-of-the art facility that will tell the remarkable history of the contemporary Irish language revival.
Spórtlann Director and veteran Irish language activist Seán Mistéil virtually presented the plans to a recent roundtable meeting of Irish American leaders in New York, outlining the project's critical role in preserving Irish language heritage.
“An Spás Dín will be a space for the conservation of our community archive – a treasure trove of materials telling of the rich history of the North of Ireland’s Irish language community,” he said.
“It will chart the course of one of most remarkable linguistic and cultural revivals in modern European history, housing documents, photographs, and tapes that tell of the remarkable social contributions of a generation of activists who rescued the Irish language from near terminal decline in the 1960s.
“An Spás Dín will celebrate the pivotal moments, cultural landmarks, and enduring contributions of a community that has indelibly shaped the identity of this island. " HIGH AMBITIONS: Seán Mistéil is Chair of the Irish medium high school Coláiste Feirste and the promoter of An Spás Dín
An Spás Dín translates literally as 'the roof space', playing on plans for the new facility to be perched atop the popular West Belfast sports center. Mistéil was addressing a meeting of Honorary Chairs of the New York-New Belfast conference which convened in New York on 23 September.
Added Mistéil: “Amongst the treasures of this archive are original drawings, plans, and testimonies relating to the creation of Ireland’s first urban Gaeltacht at Shaws Road, West Belfast in 1969, and the creation of the first Irish medium schools. Our history reflects the community's vision and commitment to creating spaces where the Irish language thrived, fostering a sense of cultural identity and belonging.
"It's our hope that Irish America with its time, talent and treasure will get behind this plan."
