Aran Island principal elected as Tánaiste of Conradh na Gaeilge
An Aran Islander and secondary school principal, who is already a stalwart community activist, has been elected as the new Tánaiste of Conradh na Gaeilge.
Mairéad Ní Fhátharta, an Inis Meáin native, is a leading figure in Irish-language education and community development.
Through her leadership and dedication, she has already made a significant contribution to the promotion and preservation of the Irish language, particularly in Gaeltacht communities.
In her role as principal of Coláiste Naomh Eoin, Mairéad has supported full Irish-language immersion education, fostering a deep connection between Gaeltacht students and their native language.
She also plays a central role in preserving Irish culture and strengthening Gaeltacht communities through her work as Chairperson of Comhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin and Inis Meáin Language Planning Committee, as well as her role as Chairperson of the Gaeltacht Committee of Conradh na Gaeilge.
Her appointment as Tánaiste – in effect the person who acts as chairperson of the Executive Committee if the President is absent – reflects both her long-standing commitment to the language and her vision for the future.
“I am delighted to be elected as Tánaiste of Conradh na Gaeilge,” she said.
“I strongly believe that the voices of Gaeltacht communities should be at the heart of every decision about the future of our language.
“I am committed to standing with Gaeltacht communities, to ensure that their voices are heard and supported, alongside the wider Irish-language community across the island, to promote and strengthen the language and to advance major campaigns around housing, education, funding, and language rights throughout Ireland,” she added.