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Irish-speaking Santa hits town  12.12.08

AN Irish-speaking Santa is expected to visit Inishowen today for the opening of 'An Nollaig – The Christmas Story' in Buncrana.
The event at Lower Main Street in the town promises a "Christmas centre with a difference" and is sponsored by An Naíonra Gaelach.
"It portrays the true story of Christmas and explains how some of our present customs celebrating the feast have been derived," explained Máire Furey, vice chairperson of the Naíscoil and Cultúrlann BhunCranncha.
It hopes to explain why we use Christmas cards, give presents and decorate our houses with holly and mistletoe.
It will also ask children if they know what people do differently in other countries at Christmas; ask them in how many languages they can say 'Happy Christmas' and teach them how to say it in our own native language?
Buncrana’s Naíonra Gaelach is part of a community project which aims to bring the Irish language alive again among the people. Every year, around 40 children aged 3-5 years attend the Naíonra’s childcare, pre-school service, usually for two to three sessions weekly. They are encouraged to play and sing and work together, thus picking up the Irish language in a very natural, Daidi na Nollag pictured with Amalie, Charlotte, Erin and Sophie Webster from Buncrana at the new Christmas Centre.
fun-filled way.
"The Christmas Centre represents an attempt to keep alive in the community not only the Irish language but also the true meaning of the very first Christmas through out the world," added Máire.
If you would like to bring along a special young person, or just to come yourself and enjoy a cup of tea while you browse, everybody will receive a Céad Míle Faílte. There are also gifts on sale including bi-lingual cards and a limited selection of multi-lingual cards which include Christmas greetings in the languages of all the people who live in Buncrana or who are frequent visitors. A free copy of the Christmas story and a small gift will be given to every visitor and the admission charge is only €2. As An Naíonra Gaelach is a not-for-profit, voluntary, community group (with charitable status), all sponsorship and donations will be gratefully received. Meanwhile, Máire hinted there was a good chance that “Dáidí na Nollag” (Santa) might drop in after 12pm on Friday and Saturday. Call 074 9363736 between 8.30am and 2.30pm to confirm.
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