CONRADH NA GAEILGE CHIEF SAYS LOSS OF CONNEMARA PAPER IS HUGE BLOW

Date Published: 26-Jun-2009

Conradh na Gaeilge says the closure of Connemara based Foinse is a devastating blow to Irish language journalism.The comment follows the breakdown of talks between Foinse and Foras na Gaeilge on the renewal of a contract that expires this weekend.The paper, which is owned by businessman and Aer Arann operator, Padraig O Ceidigh, say Foras' current offer of 355 thousand euro in funding is simply not enough to keep the paper afloat.Ten full time jobs from the Foinses office in Carraroe have now been lost, and Foras na Gaeilge now say they will put the current contract for an Irish language paper out to tender.Foinse is Irelands only Irish language paper.President of Conradh na Gaeilge, Pádraig Mac Fhearghusa says the loss of Foinse is a huge disappointment for everyone in the Irish speaking community.