The launch of gaeilge.ie, Ireland's first interactive bilingual website.
Foras na Gaeilge launches a new Irish language website gaeilge.ie in Lillie's Bordello nightclub in Dublin. The website is a one stop shop for information on the Irish language for speakers of the language at all levels. Gaeilge.ie links those interested in the Irish language with a wide range of supports, services and similar interest groups.
The site is seen as a key piece of infrastructure and a capital investment in the long-term future of the language.
Gaeilge.ie is launched by the actor and comedian Mario Rosenstock with an impression of footballer Roy Keane trying out his cúpla focal. Music on the night is provided by The Jimmy Hendrix Memorial Céilí Band.
Chief Executive of Foras na Gaeilge Seosamh Mac Donncha (Joe McDonagh) recognises the Irish language community is diverse and far reaching,
We also recognise that within the island of Ireland Irish and indeed abroad there's a growing interest in the language.
While fewer than 100,000 use the Irish language daily, many more claim to be competent.
Although the language is faltering in Gaeltacht areas, outside it’s never been stronger.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 9 September 2004. The reporter is Sharon Ní Bheoláin.
