How to turn an inspired idea into action!

From a Facebook Post to a Full House: Gaelic Language Socials in Melbourne

Last year, I had an? inspired? idea and before I thought it through I had already posted on a few groups. Inspired by the beauty of the Irish language and its deep cultural significance and signing up for an online Gaelic language learning course that I hadn’t touched since purchasing it 6 months prior, I thought, "Why not try running some Gaelic language classes in person?”?

But there was one problem: I didn’t know any Gaelic teachers, I wasn’t plugged into any Irish communities in Melbourne, and I’d never actually organized anything like this before, but that didn’t seem to cross my mind. A good lesson in immediate action when having inspired ideas! They are inspired for a reason:)?

So, I took to Facebook and posted this post.

Nearly 200 Irish folks in Melbourne reached out saying they wanted in, which was an awesome response.? So, the next day?

I decided to meet up with a couple of people to figure out how to make it all happen. First stop: Jimmy O’Neill’s Irish Pub, where I met Emma and Chris, who were all for it. They had seen the post on social media the previous day. Next, I swung by The Celtic Club in Brunswick, where I met Rachel — another passionate Irish soul who was more than happy to host the kick off event. It was her first day in the job as club Events manager :)

Fast forward to last week, and we held our very first Gaelic language event. And it was a really blessed event. 65 people showed up- some fluent, some beginners, all gathered to share the love of their heritage, and stuck a green, yellow or red dot on their name tag depending on their level of language.?

We were honored to have Patrick McGorry AO, former Australian of the Year and recipient of the Order of Australia Medal, say a few words. He shared his own journey with the Irish language and even pointed out how nice it was to see the youngest crowd he has experienced at the club.? (Turns out, Pat’s a Gaelic learner himself!)

As the MC, my favourite part was to make it fun and have as many people as possible sharing on the mic so it was a night where many people had a voice to share what the language meant to them and to practice their speech. It was incredible to hear people talk about why Gaelic means so much to them. Some were telling stories about their families, while others were just excited to practice speaking out loud for the first time.

One of the most rewarding moments was at the end of the event when one of the women in attendance said she had been feeling really homesick for days, but the night made her feel a little less homesick. That made the whole night worth it and I often think if things like that are the whole reason for events.?

On the way to the event, I said a little prayer? "God, I have no idea how this is going to go, but I’m trusting you to bring it all together, because there are too many things to be organised.” It’s funny how things work out sometimes. What started as a random Facebook post turned into a night full of laughter, learning, and people feeling connected to each other and their Irish roots.?

We’re? planning regular Gaelic socials on the first week and last week of every month and I can’t wait to meet all the beautiful people again and more who were sorry they couldn’t make the first one.?

?It’s amazing what can happen when you act on an inspired idea and take a leap of faith.?

So, if you want to brush up on your Gaelic, learn from scratch or teach others, come join us at one of our upcoming events. Who knows? You might just leave with some new friends and a little bit more love for your heritage.

Can't wait!

Steph x

To stay updated on the upcoming Irish Language Socials planned and Celtic Tours click here.

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