Dia daoibh a chairde!

The Irish language is full of beautiful blessings and good wishes for every occasion. This month I’d like to share a few of them with you.

Dia linn – God be with us (often used when someone sneezes)

Go méadaí Dia do stór – May God increase your wealth

Go dtuga Dia ciall duit – May God give you sense

An rath ag rith ort – May you always be lucky

Ná rabhair riamh gan dathú – May you never be without milk for your tea (a terribly important one, I feel)

Dea-lán ar do chorcán – May your pot be always full

Tigh ar dheis gréine agat – May your house face the sun

Sóchas gan bandairne agat – May you never be late or disappointed

Craiceann ar do phunt – May you spend wisely

Misneach ort – May you have courage

Meas agus modh ort – May you be respected

Nár cheannair seimide bó – May you not buy a cow that has a tendency to roam (Maybe not terribly relevant in Birmingham, but still…)

And a long-winded toast:

Sláinte an bhradán chugat, croí follán agus gob fliuch – Health of the salmon to you, a healthy heart and a wet mouth, ie plenty to drink. (Or you can just say sláinte)

And finally:

If you are interested in hearing the language being spoken or would like to take part in some comhrá (conversation), join us at Norton’s in Digbeth on Sunday May 14 from 1pm till 3pm. You don’t need to be fluent – it’s open to everyone. Tá fáilte romhaibh go léir!

The language session will be followed at 3pm by a traditional Irish music session.