March and street festival in Dublin celebrates Irish language

Thousands have attended a march and street festival in Dublin on Saturday in celebration of the Irish language. "Beo, Gaelach agus Bródúil" saw Gaeltacht communities, schools, college societies, sports clubs, families and language and community groups taking part.

Speakers at the event made the point that although there was much to celebrate and that there had been many achievements for the Irish language, difficulties were still being faced for the language and the Gaeltacht. Ireland's President Michael D Higgins addressed the crowds and said that although the Irish language and the Irish language community was alive and vibrant, the state had to be reminded that they exist and that they have language rights. He went on to say that the state needs to lead by example in supporting the language and Irish language communities.