Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh spoke to Ray D'arcy on RTÉ Radio One about the TedX talk she gave recently, the first of its kind delivered in Irish.
Ní Chofaigh admits that quite accidently, she is one of the more identifiable 'faces of the language' and therefore, some people bring their baggage with the language to her, when they meet her.
Bláthnaid explains how the language is an integral part of her identity and how insulting comments about the language hurt those who have worked hard to protect it. Despite the fact that English is more commonly used in Ireland than Irish, Bláthnaid says she feels more connected to mainland Europe than she is with England. Like the coastlines, Bláthnaid says we need to take care and preserve what we have, in order to guarantee it survives.
When it comes to media, the Nationwide presenter suggests the language shouldn't be confined to Irish language programming but could easily be integrated into shows of all genres. 'Irish shouldn't just be on an Irish language programme, it should be everywhere'
Bláthnaid admits returning to the language or learning it for the first time does involve effort but that 'if you genuinely care about it, do something about it'.
Listen to The Ray D'arcy Show on RTÉ Radio One Monday to Friday at 3pm
