Joe McHugh’s book: A lived challenge as Gaelige

Former FG Deputy Joe McHugh has written a new book entitled ‘Beidh Tú Alright’ which is really a biographical political experience and its a story well told from the lived challenge in the full glare of being a government minister.
A local launch of “Beidh Tu Alright” will take place in Parish Hall, Carrigart, on Saturday, February 8th. at 7.00pm.
In July 2014, McHugh was tasked with promoting the Irish language, despite having a limited grasp of the language himself. The outcry from the Irish-speaking community was immediate, with protestors chanting ‘Aire gan teanga, Aire gan clue’ (A Minister without a language is a Minister without a clue) outside Government Buildings.
But instead of retreating, McHugh embraced this personal and public challenge, embarking on a journey to become a fluent Irish speaker.
In Beidh Tú Alright, Joe McHugh shares his candid account of overcoming the daunting task of mastering Irish as an adult. He takes readers behind the scenes, revealing the emotional and intellectual struggles faced, and the deep connections he forged with the language, its history, and the Irish-speaking communities.
McHugh’s journey was not just about learning a language but rediscovering its cultural significance. From uncovering the meaning behind place names like Maam Cross and Gleann an Ghiolla Ghránna to finding inspiration in the landscapes of Bear Island and Gleann Cholm Cille, Beidh Tú Alright delves into how language can connect us to our heritage, our sense of place, and our own identity.