The Tony Birtill Scholarship

After Tony's untimely death, we founded the Tony Birtill Scholarship to send one student from Great Britain to Oideas Gael in Gleann Cholm Cille, Donegal for a one week, intensive Irish Language course. 

What is the Tony Birtill Scholarship?

The Tony Birtill scholarship is delivered to an Irish learner from Great Britain for a fully-funded, week-long stay with Oideas Gael, in the summer, in the Gaeltacht area of Glencolumcille, Donegal. During the stay, you will take part in an intensive Irish language and cultural activity course.

Requirements

• A keen interest in the Irish language (open to any ability of Irish)

• A commitment to the Irish language in Britain

Application

The application is 500 words, in which you should answer three questions:

• What does the Irish language mean to you?

• How would this scholarship help you in your Irish language journey/studies?

• How would you contribute to the Irish language community in Great Britain after the course?

Applications should be emailed to learphollcnag@mail.com by 5pm, 31st March 2026. The applications will be processed by a panel of Conradh na Gaeilge Learpholl and the Institute of Irish Studies, and applicants will be notified of the results by the end of April, for the summer course.

Special consideration will be given to those who would not be able to attend otherwise due to financial or geographical constrants, and applicants' current/potential impact on the Irish language in Great Britain.