Last week, I had a wonderful chat with our GROW member, Jim. I have never heard someone describe the Irish language quite as poetically and beautifully as he does.
Jim grew up in Pennsylvania, and has actually never been to Ireland, although his childhood and upbringing was very Irish. He felt a calling to learn Irish and decided to answer it.
He has some wonderfully creative ways of learning Irish, and in particular making sure he is using Gaeilge gach lá!
Thank you so much, Jim, for sharing your story and time with me. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.
15 thoughts on “Member Interview with Jim”
Hello Jim,
My name is Maureen McLane and I grew up on Ann Street in North Braddock…in an Irish neighborhood…..they thought I had a speech impediment with my accent in school…my relatives are Curran’s and Joyce’s…I went to the Irish School…St. Thomas…I now live in Connemara as an Irish citizen…my email is dharmadance@aol.com if you ever want to swap stories…🤗
What a small world, Maureen! I am so glad to hear from you.
Talk about uncommon commonalitites…!
This was wonderful, a really inspiring and moving comhrá, The emotions that Jim described so well, and his sense of belonging to a place he hasn’t yet visited really resonated with me. Jim’s love of learning the language and his deep connection to the country shine through in every sentence. I’m not able to be around Pobal much at the moment, but conversations like this remind me what a special community it is. Go raibh míle maith agat, Jim and Aisling.
Thank you so much, Lisa, and I’m so glad the interview spoke to you and resonated with you in such a wonderful way. Pobal is there whenever you are able to come back again.
Le beannacht,
Aisling
I really enjoyed this interview! I need to try to enjoy learning Irish with Jim’s attitude of being delighted in the journey instead of constantly second-guessing myself, which only makes the learning process stressful. I will watch this chat again when I feel “stuck” and GRMA to the Bitesize staff for all they do!
I think we can all learn something from Jim, Nancy!
So glad that you enjoyed it 😀
Le beannacht,
Aisling
Aisling, go raibh maith agat as an comhrá le Jim .
Bháin me an-taitneamh as,
Gearóid
An sástá gur bhainis taitneamh as, Gary!
Le beannacht,
Aisling
Hi Jim,
Absolutely loved your interview and you definitely have the Irish point of views on life. I cannot speak Gaelic yet but I’m slowly learning. You give me hope and inspiration to learn more. Also, you must get to Ireland. It is truly like you have come home once you step off the plane. And you are welcomed like family from all of the Irish people. It’s such a warm and comforting feeling. I know I never wanted to leave and, from what you have said, I know you would feel the same.
Be Blessed and Safe
Hi Jim, go raibh maith agat as é sin. It’s been lovely to see your lighthearted attitude and sense of curiousity.
Hi Eoin, I wouldn’t be where I am on my Irish journey right now if it wasn’t for you. You’re the one who deserves the thanks.
I’ll pass that thanks therefore onto the team at Bitesize Irish! Thanks for your kinds words.
Eoin
What a wonderful comhrá.
I found it interesting and informative with a good dose of fun mixed in.
So glad you enjoyed it, John!
Le beannacht,
Aisling