Foras na Gaeilge Unveils New Initiatives, Publications and Funding at Oireachtas na Samhna  

30 October 2026 

• Gaelphobal: Minister for Rural and Community and Gaeltacht Development, Dara Calleary TD, launches video seriesabout Gaeltacht Service Towns 

• An Gúm: Minister for Rural and Community and Gaeltacht Development, Dara Calleary TD, launches three new books published by An Gúm 

• €5.4 million approved by Foras na Gaeilge board for Irish Language Lead Organisations for 2027 

• Focal ar Fhocal: 20,000 more senses to be added to the New Irish Dictionary. The latest amendments to be discussed at a session of Foras na Gaeilge's Lexicography Section at 4pm today. 

Between launches, sessions and meetings, Foras na Gaeilge has had a highly beneficial and worthwhile week at Oireachtas na Samhna 2026.  
Minister for Rural and Community and Gaeltacht Development, Dara Calleary TD, has launched a series of newly created short videos which showcase the important work of language planning in the Gaeltacht Service Towns: Clifden, Castlebar, Cahersiveen, Dungarvan and Tralee. The videos were premiered at the event, and the full series is now available as part of a broader series which raises awareness about the Gaelphobal initiative.  
 
Minister Calleary launched three new books published by An Gúm:  

• Siobhán Cheanndána agus Dánta Eile, a collection of poetry by Gabriel Rosenstock illustrated by Joe McLaren;  

• Thuas Staighre, Thíos Staighre, a new picture book by Claire Marie Dunne illustrated by Anita Foley; 

• Julian an Mhaighdean Mhara, a translation by Shanna Ní Rabhartaigh & Gillian Nic Ionmhain of Jessica Love's famous work.  

A tribute was paid to the renowned poet and author of Siobhán Cheanndána, Gabriel Rosenstock, who passed away earlier this year. A special welcome was given to Gabriel's wife, Eithne, as well as their daughter, Saffron, who read a poem from the new collection.   
 
At joint meetings held by Foras na Gaeilge's board with the board of TG4 and the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta, the organisations' priorities for 2027 were presented and opportunities for collaboration were discussed.  
 
At today's Foras na Gaeilge board meeting, expenditure of over €5.4 million was approved for the six Irish-language lead organisations for 2026, including Conradh na Gaeilge (€997,576), Cumann na bhFiann (€775,136), Gael Linn (€776,460), Gaeloideachas (€849,346), Glór na nGael (€1,292,157) and Oireachtas na Gaeilge (€744,733).   
 
Foras na Gaeilge Chief Executive, Seán Ó Coinn, said, "The partnership with the Lead Organisations is Foras na Gaeilge's most important partnership, as we seek to develop the Irish language at community level. This significant annual investment demonstrates the confidence that Foras na Gaeilge has in the six Lead Organisations and we will be expecting significant results from them in the year ahead."  
 
Further Foras na Gaeilge activities this week will include an update on the work that has been carried out over the past year and is planned for the coming year on the various dictionaries being developed by Foras na Gaeilge's Lexicography Department.15,000 new senses were added to the New Irish Dictionary at the end of October and a further 5,000 senses are planned to be added before the end of this year.  

Ends  

MORE INFORMATION 
  
GAELPHOBAL  
The video series launched can be found here.  
 
AN GÚM  
You can find out more about the new books published here.  
 
FOCAL AR FHOCAL: FORAS NA GAEILGE DICTIONARY PROJECTS, TODAY, 30 OCTOBER 4PM, SUITE 5, LEVEL 1, GLENEAGLE  
During this session, an update will be given on the work that has been carried out over the past year and is planned for the coming year on the various dictionaries being worked on by Foras na Gaeilge's Lexicography Department. 15,000 new senses were added to the New Irish Dictionary at the end of October, and a further 5,000 senses are planned to be added before the end of this year. Some of this material and other amendments that have been made to the sites over the past year will be discussed.  
 
QUESTIONS  
Anna Davitt, Programme Manager: Communications, Marketing & Awareness, Foras na Gaeilge  
Ríomhphost: adavitt@forasnagaeilge.ie Teil: 087 293 7686  
 
MORE PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.