Person of the Month
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SPOTLIGHT ON CAREERS
Peadar is Co-Director of the Reconciliation Fund in the Ireland, UK and Americas Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. We spoke to Peadar about his experiences with the Irish language, multilingualism and his job, as well as his hobbies.
What are your main responsibilities in your role as Assistant Principal Officer in the Department of Foreign Affairs?
I work as Co-Director of the Reconciliation Fund in the Ireland, UK and Americas Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. I deal with community groups all over the islands who are involved in peace and reconciliation. It entails quite a bit of travel as I visit groups and see the work they do. It's a very rewarding job and I really enjoy it.
Do you carry out any of your responsibilities in Irish?
I had to write a few speeches in Irish and I'm usually the person people come to with Irish requests at the last minute! Every job I've had in the civil service (in 3 Departments!) so far has involved Irish in some way. I have a conversation in Irish with at least one person every day.
You were instrumental in the establishment of various language networks, and you gave us inspiration for Gréasán Gaeilge na hEarnála Poiblí. What do you think is the importance of language networks?
You must take every opportunity to use a new language. It's important to show that no language is just for the classroom or Duolingo - you have to put your studies into practice.
The members of An Gréasán would like Irish to be more central in their lives - would you have any recommendations for them?
Find something you like and then find it in Irish – so if you like to follow food bloggers, follow some food blogs with Irish content such as TartGoLeor on Instagram. If you like to venture up mountains, join an Irish hill climbing group. It won’t be long until you have words and phrases that you will use commonly to describe your interests and hobbies. You will also enjoy your experience of learning and using Irish.
Was Irish around you when you were growing up?
My Grandfather was originally from the Donegal Gaeltacht and that side of the family speaks Irish. I attended an English primary and secondary school but traveled to Carna and Cill Chiaráin every summer from 4th Year onwards. Irish was my strongest subject in primary and secondary school but it was by going to the Gaeltacht that I developed a love for the language.
When you were at university, you lived in Teach na Gaeilge in University College Dublin. Did that community have an impact on your relationship with the Irish language?
I was lucky enough to receive a scholarship in UCD for 4 years which gave me the opportunity to live in Teach na Gaeilge - Gaeltacht in UCD. Over the 4 years, I had 96 different housemates from all over the country and we were tasked with organising events to promote the Irish language on campus in Belfield. The events included the UCD Race, a 5km run around UCD which was organized entirely through Irish, a Zumba class in Irish, debates, comedy nights, a few Take Me Outs and Blind Dates, a fashion show, a hypnosis show as well as a visit from the European Commissioner and Uachtarán na hÉireann (good training for the DFA!!). There are people I have met who we only speak Irish to each other (It is strange for us to speak English to each other). Recently, I was in the car and one friend I met in Teach na Gaeilge was speaking Irish to me and the friend on the other side was speaking in English to me.
What is your favourite pastime?
I really like musicals. I am a member of two musical societies – one here in Dublin and the other back home. I try to take part in at least one performance every year. I will be taking part in Jesus Christ Superstar with Teachers' Musical Society in 2025.
You were once a volunteer with Water Safety Ireland. Are you interested in wild swimming?
I qualified as an instructor and examiner with Water Safety Ireland and I teach classes weekly on a voluntary basis. I worked as a lifeguard while at school and university. I usually do exams at lakes every summer and this year I taught on the beach for the first time ever. I prefer the pool though!
What is your favourite Irish word or phrase and why?
Tá sé chomh giodamach le puch i bpróca (he’s as lively as a wasp in a jam jar) – something uttered by my Irish teacher many times when he was describing a few of us in the class…
Which of these words best describe you: Talkative; Athletic, Creative; Friendly, Shy, Sensible, Inquisitive; Quiet, Fun, Loyal, Honest, Lively, Thoughtful, Loving, Patient
I think I’m quite a shy quiet person but to get a better answer for this question I asked a few of my colleagues here in the office and they said, without a doubt, that I am very talkative and lively, I wonder which one of those is true…