Language Freedom Movement

The Language Freedom Movement (Irish: Gluaiseacht Saoirse Teanga) was a political organisation founded in 1966 that was opposed to some aspects of the state-attempted revival of the Irish language in the Republic of Ireland. The organisation had the backing of several notable Irish-speaking writers including Séamus Ó Grianna ("Máire") and John B. Keane.^[1][2]

Concerns

Examinations

At the time the organisation was formed, if a student failed the Irish paper in their Leaving Certificate, they were deemed to have failed the whole exam.^[3] This requirement was abolished in 1973, although students are still obliged to study Irish as part of the Leaving Certificate programme and a pass is required for Irish students entering almost all Irish universities (but not for foreign students). In 1974, Irish was removed as a requirement for entry to the civil service.^[3]

Textbooks

Significant changes in the Leaving Certificate maths curriculum were reflected in two new textbooks produced by the Irish Christian Brothers. However, material for the new honours (higher-level) syllabus was offered only in a government-subsidised book in Irish while the pass (lower-level) material was published in English. The situation continued for several years until affordable alternative textbooks eventually became available.

Mansion House meeting

The organisation held a meeting in the Mansion House in Dublin on 21 September 1966.^[3][4] It was advertised by a poster with a cartoon depicting the "Gaelic language policy" as a well-fed cow sitting atop the educational system.^[5] The meeting was chaired by broadcaster Gay Byrne.^[5] About 2000 people turned up, though most of them seemed opposed to the organisation.^[3][5] Opponents taunted the organisers by waving Union Jacks at them and singing "God Save the Queen".^[3][5] As John B. Keane got up to speak, one man seized an Irish Tricolour from the table used by the organisation, shouting that the flag should not be displayed at such a meeting.^[3][5] A fight involving ten men broke out and calm was only restored when the LFM agreed to four of their opponents speaking at the meeting.^[3]

The Gardaí were also present at the meeting. At the request of the organisers, Patrick Byrne TD had asked the Garda Commissioner to ensure law and order prevailed.^[6]

Irish language writer Máirtín Ó Cadhain and Mick Ryan (the IRA O/C of Dublin) were involved in the disruption of the meeting.^[7][8][5]

See also

• Language revival