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Indigenous languages
The United Nations has declared 2019 the ‘International Year of Indigenous Languages’. By celebrating indigenous languages, it is hoped that they will be both promoted and protected, improving the lives of people who speak them. The concept of a ‘global year’ was devised as a co-operation mechanism, dedicated to raising awareness of a particular topic or concern. It is estimated that around 40% of the 6,700 languages spoken around the world are in danger of disappearing.
Brexit?
The original date set for Britain leaving the EU was 29 March 2019. However, it is looking increasingly unlikely in recent weeks that this will be the case. Brexit is now shrouded in uncertainty. Will there be an extension of the negotiation period and a Brexit later in the year? Or perhaps even another referendum, which in the end could lead to no Brexit at all?
Centenary of the first Dáil
This year, 2019 marks 100 years since the sitting of the first Dáil. TDs were elected during the second week of December 1918, the first meeting of the Dáil then took place after Christmas on 21 January 1919. To mark this centenary, an international broadcast with all members of the Oireachtas present will take place from the Mansion House, in the same room where the Dáil first sat. There are also other commemorations planned throughout the year.
The Rugby World Cup
The ninth Rugby World Cup will take place in Japan this year from the end of September to the beginning of November. Ireland, having automatically qualified from the last tournament in 2015, are, at present, favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy. The tournament will also mark the end of Joe Schmidt’s tenure as Ireland head coach. He has announced he will finish up coaching following the World Cup.
Local elections
In Ireland, politics are most definitely local and so on Friday 24 May this year all eyes will be fixed on elections to councils and the European Parliament.
Local elections are often seen as a good barometer for party support and, despite the renewal of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s confidence and supply agreement until spring 2020, who knows if we will be seeing a general election in 2019 or not.
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