History
In March 2020, an exciting partnership was launched between the Urdd and TG Lurgan, a youth organisation in Ireland.
The Urdd and TG Lurgan have now planning its 3rd in person project following the success of last year's visit to Ireland and the Glan-llyn 2023 Easter Course.
Keep an eye out for more information coming soon!
Who are TG Lurgan?
TG Lurgan are an exciting youth organization in Ireland. They aim to promote the Irish language and make the language appealing to young people through contemporary songs. Their YouTube channel features tens of impressive Irish music productions, and has attracted millions of viewers!
March 2020
The partnership between the two youth organisations was launched in Dublin in March of 2020. Urdd members from Aelwyd yr Ynys, Anglesey, gave a musical performance in Welsh in the style of TG Lurgan's productions, which take contemporary songs and recreate them in Irish. A musical performance was also given by young TG Lurgan members.
The launch was part of the Wales 2020 Dublin Week organised by the Welsh Government.
January 2021
Despite the challenges of the pandemic for both organizations, the Urdd and TG Lurgan worked together to release the first-ever Welsh/Irish music video co-production on the 7th of January 2021.
‘Golau’n Dallu / Dallta ag na Solise’ is a cover of the popular song ‘Blinding Lights’ by The Weeknd. 28 young people from both countries recorded their voices from home and were given directions from videographer Griff Lynch for the music video.
The musical collaboration is an effort to introduce both indigenous languages to a global audience. The Urdd and TG Lurgan have shown that forming partnerships between both countries is essential in giving young people opportunities to thrive.
April 2021
Within a month of releasing the first music video, it had surpassed 100,000 views, and registration for the second co-production was opened.
It was decided that the second production would be a cover the first Welsh song to hit one million Spotify plays, 'Gwenwyn' by Alffa. Currently, ‘Gwenwyn’ stands at over 3M.
The second production was launched on 22 April and includes contributions by 28 young people from Wales and Ireland. As well as singers, the video includes performances by two dancers who coordinated their choreography together; Aisling Sharkey can be seen dancing on the roof of Phoenix Performing Arts College and Studio in Dublin, and Elan Elidir is on the Ely Trail in Cardiff.
The cover is also available on streaming services such as Spotify.
June 2022 - The Urdd's visit to Ireland
Following the success of 2 virtual co-productions with TG Lurgan, Urdd members traveled to Connemara, Ireland in June 2022 to create the first in-person co-production.
It was decided to create an adaptation of Adele's popular song, 'Water Under the Bridge' in Welsh and Irish Gaelic. After spending a night in Glan-llyn on the 22nd of June, 16 young people aged 15 to 18, traveled in the name of the Urdd over to Connemara, one of the 'Gaeltacht' areas, north of Galway.
The young people spent 4 busy days in Connemara rehearsing the song, recording and filming the video for TG Lurgan's youtube channel. During the visit they also made new friends as Urdd members and TG Lurgan's young people shared the cultures of both countries, such as music, folk dancing and the importance and history of the Welsh and Irish Gaelic languages.
Trip Gallery
2023 Glan-llyn Easter Course
During the 2023 Easter Holidays, the Urdd and TG Lurgan came together once again for a joint course. This time to create the 4th and 5th co-productions, 'Gwalia' by Gwilym and 'Human' by the Killers in Welsh and Irish.
For the first time, the course was held in Wales, at Glan-llyn Urdd Centre.
30 young people from TG Lurgan, along with their staff, traveled from Ireland to Glan-llyn for a joint residential course with young people from Wales.
The young people from Wales and Ireland enjoyed three full days of recording the songs, filming, and taking part in various activities.
August 2023 - The Urdd's 2nd Visit to Ireland
Following the success of the Urdd's 2022 visit to Connemara, Ireland, the Urdd decided to revisit Coláiste Lurgan, providing the opportunity for a new group of young people from Wales.
A group of 30 young people, along with Urdd staff, travelled to the West of Ireland to spend four nights in August with TG Lurgan.
During the course a completely new co-production was recorded in Welsh and Irish, this time a translation of 'We Are Young' by Fun. The video will be live on TG Lurgan's Youtube channel on the 23rd of October and released on our social media channels.
During the course the young people from Wales also took part in a number activities with TG Lurgan, from musical sessions to sports games.
A concert was organsied for the last night of the course, where the young people from Wales and Ireland got the opportunity to perform and also enjoy professional Irish bands, such as Seo Linn.
Trip Gallery
