About Us
Who are we
about us
Coláiste Aoidh Mhic Bhricne is one of the longest established Irish language summer colleges in Ulster. We have provided summer courses for thousands of children and teenagers since 1955. Our objective is to provide for young people to wish to learn Irish and the culture in a fun, relaxed environment.
Our building compromises five classrooms, an excellent hall, stage, large sports ground and a college shop. Situated between Sliabh a’ Liag and Teelin bay, we have daily access to local beaches and outdoor adventure facilities. Each student that attends Coláiste Aoidh Mhic Bhricne in Teelin partakes in daily Gaeltacht life while they stay with local families. We are a non-profit organisation and seek to support the Irish-language development of our students and in the local Teelin community.
Dr Pádraig Ó Tiarnaigh
Chairperson
Originally from Mullaghbawn, County Armagh, Pádraig is a former student and ceannaire, who now teaches on our courses. Pádraig hasn’t missed a summer in Teelin since 2001. He works with the Irish language advocacy group, Conradh na Gaeilge and as an Irish language lecturer with Ulster University. He manages and oversees the running of the Gaeltacht college.
Gearóid Ó Deoráin
Principal
He also teaches with us. Gearóid lives in County Tyrone, he hails from Mullaghbawn in County Armagh. Gearóid was attended our courses as a student and afterwards as a ceannaire. He teaches in Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh in Strabane. He’s also a noted musician.
Shane Ó Curraighín
Development Officer
Shane works on the development of the college and the building. He works as a reporter with Nuacht RTÉ/TG4. Shane spent several years as a ceannaire in the college. He’s from Teelin and students stay with his family every summer.
Caitríona Nic Giolla Easpaig
Course Advisor
Caitríona is a Gaelscoil Principal in Dublin. She provides advice and expertise about our course layout and our teaching methods. Caitríona is from Teelin and students stay with her family every summer. Caitríona has worked with the college as a course principal, teacher and ceannaire.
Pádraig Ó Fearáin
Treasurer
Pádraig is the college treasurer. He also provides guidance about our course formats. Pádraig is an Irish teacher at Saint Patrick’s Academy, Dungannnon. He also worked as a ceannaire in the college in his youth.
Proinsias Ó Coinn
Public Relations Officer
Proinsias is a radio producer with BBC NI. He manages the college’s publicity and marketing.
Proinsias lives in Belfast, he attended our summer courses in his youth and also worked with in Teelin as a ceannaire.
Our Mission & Objectives
To provide high quality Gaeltacht courses for young people.
- To provide for young Irish language learners in a fun, relaxed environment
- To provide young learners an opportunity to participate in Gaeltacht life
- To promote friendships between young people through the Irish language
- To bring young people of all backgrounds together in the Gaeltacht
Máire Nic Giolla Chóill
Course Advisor
Máire leads the Irish language staff at Saint Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon. Máire helps to structure our policies and course content. Máire’s family have attended our summer courses.
Séamus Ó Beirn
Policy Advisor
Séamus provides support to the college about policy, education and administrative matters. He is a barrister, undertaking legal research at John Hopkins University, Liverpool. Séamus worked as a ceannaire in the college. Many students have stayed with his family in Cappagh, Teelin.
Helena Ní Bhrollacháin
Child Protection Officer
Helena served as principal in the College for more than 6 years. A local of nearby Carrick, and an Irish-language teacher in Gael-Choláiste Chill Dara in Kildare, Helena works to ensure child protection policies and teaching materials are fully up to standard.
