Ola Majekodunmi tells us all about her love of Irish and its importance in her life.

"Growing up I enjoyed so many songs as Gaeilge like 'Léim (Léimigí) Thart' with Des Bishop which is the Irish language version of ‘Jump Around’ by House of Pain.

"That was extremely popular when I was growing up as a child. I also enjoyed the more traditional Gaelach songs like ‘Óró Sé Do Bheatha Bhaile’ and ‘Mo Ghile Mear’ – I think most people in the country would be able to sing along to those songs! When I got to secondary school then, I loved singing ‘Sí Do Mhaimeo í’ and ‘Súil a Rúin’. I could go on for days singing those songs, me and my friends would mess about with them too!

"In Primary school, we got the opportunity too to attend Damhsa Gaelach, I absolutely love these classes! I’d imagine in my head that I was a professional damhsóir Gaelach and I’d make it to Riverdance one day, joining Michael Flatley onstage! We’d change steps with a ‘haon, dó, trí’. It was very enjoyable for me, I never really questioned it.

"Literature wise, I liked the Irish version of ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree’ (Faoin Sceach Gheal). My mum took me to ‘An Siopa Leabhair’ on Harcourt Street one day and I fell in love with the place. It was so fun to me being around all the books as Gaeilge! I remember my mum buying this little story book there (forgot the name!).

"I love poetry as Gaeilge too, I am hoping to start writing some filíocht Gaeilge too soon myself. I loved studying ‘Subh Milis’ le Seamús Ó’Neill when I was younger, I still know some of the lines off by heart!

"In terms of cultural aspects of the Irish language I find that a lot of young people are showing more of an interest in the language and understanding that it is more than just a school subject. It’s part of Irish heritage and identity. Especially here in Dublin, the language has grown so much – there are so many events and sources in aid of the language. As well as that I have noticed that all kinds of people from different backgrounds celebrate and love the language too. It is really exciting to see!"

Massive thanks to Ola for sharing this with us.

You can listen to the Irish version of Mothertongues HERE.