The Gaelic League

Portrait of Fr. Eugene O'Growney

In the latter part of the nineteenth century there was a renewed interest in the Irish language. Many writers and scholars felt that the Irish language was very important for maintaining an Irish identity.

The Gaelic League was founded in 1893 with the aim of restoring the Irish langauge. O'Growney was one of the founders, along with Douglas Hyde and others.

The Gaelic League ran Irish language classes all around the country. They also taught native speakers in Gaeltacht areas how to read and write in their own language.

Logos of The Gaelic League

Fr. Eugenen O'Growney was one of the founding members of the Gaelic League. On the left is the logo at the date of its establishment. On the right is the logo we recognise today.

© Conradh na Gaeilge

Logos of The Gaelic League
© Conradh na Gaeilge

Logos of The Gaelic League

Fr. Eugenen O'Growney was one of the founding members of the Gaelic League. On the left is the logo at the date of its establishment. On the right is the logo we recognise today.

© Conradh na Gaeilge

Enlarge image

The Gaelic League had a great impact on the status of the Irish language. It introduced a standardised way of writing the language which made it easier for people to read and write in it. They also published many new texts in Irish.