Celebration of inclusion at Athy Sign Language festival
Angelina Foster explains how to print to Karina Conca at the Athy ISLA Festival Photos: Aisling Hyland
A WONDERFUL show of inclusivity and craic was seen at Athy’s recent ISLA festival held by group Athy Sing and Sign, which was funded by Kildare County Council’s community and festival grants, and saw around 500 attendees.
People hailed from counties as far as Kerry, Cork and Galway for the free event which was jam-packed with fun activities and entertainment, inviting families to take part in sign language activities.
The festivities began on Sunday, September 28 at 10am at Dilly Dally Café where attendees met to start the 5k run/walk, which finished at the Auld Shebeen.
The walk, which was supported by Kildare Sports Partnership and Deaf Sports Ireland, was a complete success, and had attendees excited for what waited for them at the Dreamland Ballroom.
From 12pm onwards at the Dreamland Ballroom a wide array of exciting activities took place to celebrate International Week of Deaf People, ISL Awareness Week, and of course, World Deaf Day.
The activities and entertainment on offer included a dance workshop with Donking that had everyone up and dancing, a Music Health Ireland workshop, an ISL meets STEM workshop for all the mini scientists in the room, and live caricature drawing for all attendees.
Outside, there was an obstacle course, and inside there was plenty of entertainment from an aerial performance by Chloe Commins, and a performance by Cork Deaf Community Choir, to a very special Sing and Sign with Sarah Jane that had everyone in the room singing and signing to popular 90s tune 'No Limit' by 2 Unlimited.
Maggie Owens of Athy Sing and Sign was absolutely thrilled with how the event came together. She said: “It was an absolutely brilliant day. We wanted it to be completely free, we wanted families to come to enjoy the festival and to participate in everything.”
“The aim of our ISLA festival is to create an inclusive, family friendly and fun environment for hearing people, deaf people and CODA’s [Child of Deaf Adult]. And to come and celebrate Irish Sign Language and immerse themselves in deaf community and culture.” Maggie also included how wonderful it was to see everyone in the room signing to each other, and said it was a great opportunity for members of Athy Sing and Sign who have been learning ISL to practice their skills.
The event was also opened by Cathaoirleach of Athy MD, cllr Ivan Keatley, and was attended by Mark Wall TD and cllr Mark Leigh, and was put together by a wonderful group of volunteers.
"A big thank you to the committee: Linda Dobbin, Mary Byrne and Breda Flynn, and a big thank you to all the volunteers – because of them it was a big success," said Maggie.
Athy Sing and Sign has also recently revealed that they have been nominated for the Pride of Place awards 2025.
This year’s awards night will be hosted by Limerick County Council on Friday, November 7, where winners the for this years awards will be announced.
Maggie said: “It would be amazing if we won because I think it gives recognition to the team, the committee and the club because they do such great work.”
