Fáilte! I’m Máire Mhic Dhomhnaill
I’m a secondary school teacher with nearly 18 years of experience teaching Drama and Moving Image Arts. My passion lies in creating a consistent, unique out-of-school experience for young Gaels that fosters a deep love of play and learning, all while immersing them in their native language, Irish.
As the founder of Gnó na nÓg, a social enterprise venture, my goal is to provide affordable childcare that reinvests into our community. Through this venture, we strive to create meaningful, long-lasting social value. The driving force behind our camps is the opportunity to reinvest any profits into local development projects, educational scholarships, or further expansion, making our camps accessible to more families.
At Gnó na nÓg, we are not only focused on childcare but on nurturing a future generation of young Gaels. We aim to maintain engagement with students who are fluent in Irish, particularly after they leave secondary school, as they may lose fluency if they don’t use the language regularly. No matter where their future takes them—whether in nursing, sport science, drama, mechanics, or business—we encourage them to reconnect with us and share their skills with the younger generation. This could mean anything from teaching practical skills like mechanics or firefighting, to sharing their business expertise.
Community Building and Empowerment
Gnó na nÓg also provides a platform for job creation within the local community. We create employment opportunities for local residents, from youth workers to educators, which stimulates the local economy and supports working families. Leadership and training are central to our approach—we offer development opportunities for camp staff, helping them grow professionally while contributing to our social enterprise mission.
By providing reliable childcare during school holidays and after school, we help parents who need support balancing work and family life, especially those with less flexible schedules. We believe in building strong partnerships with local schools, businesses, and community groups to create a robust network of resources and services for our participants.
A Vision for the Future
My ultimate vision is to build stronger, more connected communities. By engaging the community through volunteer and mentorship opportunities, we bring together older students, professionals, and retirees to mentor the younger generation. This creates invaluable intergenerational connections, reinforcing our mission of building a supportive, thriving community for all.
Through Gnó na nÓg, we aim not just to care for children but to invest in the future of our language, our community, and our culture. Together, we can create a space where children grow in confidence, knowledge, and love for the Irish language—while building lasting connections that support families and the local economy.