On this St Patrick’s weekend and as Wexford gears up to host the Fleadh Cheoil, Wexford FC welcomes Cian Doyle to the club as its Ambasadóir Gaeilge, strengthening our Irish Language promotion efforts.
Wexford FC proudly announces Cian Doyle as its new ambasadóir Gaeilge, signaling a vibrant commitment to promoting the Irish language through the power of football. In this role, Cian will champion the language within the club and throughout the community, fostering a deeper connection between the sport and Ireland’s rich linguistic heritage.
Cian holds a degree in Irish and a Masters in Education, and is a former ‘Wexford Youths’ Academy player, currently of Crossabeg AFC. Speaking after the initiatives were launched ahead of last night’s fixture with Finn Harps, he expressed his enthusiasm for the role:
“Is mór an onóir dom a bheith ceangailte leis an mbainistíocht seo agus is seans iontach è chun tacaíocht a thabhairt don Ghaeilge trí mhèan na Sacair. Táim ag tnúth go mór le cur leis an gcultúr atá bainte leis an teanga agus è a chur chun cinn i mbealach éifeachtach .”
“Promoting the Irish language is not just about preserving a cultural legacy; it’s celebrating our identity and heritage,” says Scott Gaynor, Chief Marketing Officer at Wexford FC. “As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Fleadh Cheoil on the horizon, having Cian on board as our Ambasadóir Gaeilge aligns perfectly with our mission to honour and promote all aspects of Irish identity, including our native language. We have received phenomenal interest and positive feedback with this initiative and it’s something we want to really commit to, not just tick a box for a weekend and move on. Our Supporters Club, Slaneyside Crew, originated out of interest from a group of students in Meánscoil Garman, and we look forward to engaging with them even further to help spreads this message.”
In line with this initiative, Wexford FC pledges to integrate the Irish language prominently into matchday programmes, social media content, and events in local schools. This week alone, our FSR Team & Community Ambassadors have visited St Peter’s College, Presentation Wexford, CBS Wexford, Loreto Wexford, Kennedy Park & CBS Primary to meet students and engage them in learning about the club via our popular Kahoot quiz and Gaeilge footage. The goal is to foster a positive environment with a focus on spoken word, where the language can thrive. Mr Doyle will also be available to promote the women’s game through his commentary and punditry, a league already in partnership with TG4 as part of their support for women’s football.
Launch weekend:
- Social Media as Gaeilge- CP Loch Garman
- Full match day programme ‘flip and reverse’ for English (will be available to order online soon)
- Úna May Walsh, programme cover feature & Irish Sign Language in frame on announcement video
- Commentary & punditry contributions as Gaeilge
- Amhrán na bhFiann sang live ahead of kick off by talented local artist Sarah Deevy
- Player of the Match award as Gaeilge
- Player interview with Brandon McCann as Gaeilge
- Introduce men’s & women’s jerseys with names as Gaeilge at Half Time
- Free tickets to local schools celebrating Seachtain na Gaeilge
- Wexford FC Kahoot as Gaeilge for school visits and club shop
- Food offerings at Ferrycarrig Park as Gaeilge
- Novelty Cáca Milis & branding as Gaeilge
Minimum Commitment for future, at least:
- 1 x article in programme as Gaeilge each match day
- 3 x social media graphics and posts per week
- Support for spoken Irish in schools throughout Wexford at Primary & Post-Primary, with lesson plans and resources for various events.
- Player of the Match award as Gaeilge for Men & Women, designed by Crystal Script Engraving, with thanks to our sponsors.
- Promotion of Fleadh Cheoil for 2024 & 2025
- Cian Doyle available for Women’s commentary & punditry in line with TG4 scheduling.
- School resources and lesson plan packs available.
If anyone in the community would like to lend their assistance or support for this initiative with any suggestions to further embed the language in our club and community, please contact Cian on cianod@wexfordfc.ie. Go raibh maith agat.
