Aogán Ó Fearghaíl, President of the GAA, will be the special guest speaker at a unique Ireland 2016 commemorative event to be held next Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Linen Hall Library in Belfast. Organised by Conradh na Gaeilge, the bilingual seminar "The Future of Gaelic Culture" will examine the achievements of the GAA, Conradh na Gaeilge, and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann since their foundation, and explore their visions for Gaelic Culture in the 21st Century.

Ireland has changed profoundly since the GAA was founded in 1884, and it is fair to say that its contribution to Irish life (and the life of the Irish abroad) has been enormous. The GAA's presence and impact is visible in every community across the island- in many communities, it is the main social and recreational outlet, and its role in bonding Irish communities overseas and helping foster a strong sense of Irish identity amongst second and third generation emigrants has gained increasing recognition over recent years. It is impossible today to imagine Ireland without the GAA.

Conradh na Gaeilge's influence on the generation which fought for Irish independence has also been much heralded: 6 of the 7 signatories of the Easter Proclamation were members of Conradh na Gaeilge- but where does the Irish language fit in to our vision for the future? Do we have a sense of where we are going as players of Gaelic Games, speakers of our Irish language, players of traditional music? Is it essential for us to continue to promote all aspects of our Gaelic culture?

These and many other questions will be explored in this unique seminar which will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Linen Hall Library in Belfast. Other speakers will include Cóilín Ó Cearbhaill, President of Conradh na Gaeilge, and Tomás Ó Maoldomhnaigh, General Secretary of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. The discussion will be chaired by Neil Comer, President of Comhaltas Uladh and a simultaneous translation service will be available.

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