Ulster GAA and Comhaltas have launched a new mobile phone app to promote their cultural games, events and activities. The ‘GaelGo’ app is now available to download for free on all smart devices.
GaelGo has been funded by DCAL as part of a project to promote the creative industries in Northern Ireland, which included the development of two apps one for Ulster GAA and Comhaltas and the second for the Ulster Historical Foundation.
The GaelGo app keeps locals and tourists alike up to date with Irish culture and its music and sporting communities. The bi-lingual resource uses an interactive map to profile upcoming games, concerts, and Fleadhanna. Users can find Irish traditional music sessions near to them and watch videos from the latest GAA and Comhaltas events.The Ulster-Scots Experience app includes information on 200 locations which demonstrate the strong historic and cultural links that unite Scotland and Ulster. The sites include towns and villages, castles and churches, graveyards and monuments, and archives and industries.
Welcoming the development of the apps Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: “Ireland is renowned internationally for its culture, art and heritage. This rich cultural tapestry can inspire people to visit our shores to discover our stories and traditions. Increasingly people also come from across the world to explore their roots in this part of our island. More and more people access information through their smart phones. These apps are therefore making information more accessible to everyone promoting events and places of interest. I am also hope they can be used to encourage our local digital and creative industries to seek inspiration and commercial success through partnership with the culture, arts and leisure sectors”.
Ian Graham, Chief Executive of Momentum, said: “The digital content sector can help to transform our tourism offering and bring our stories and history to life. Our local digital companies can carve out a global reputation for innovation in combining technology, tourism and culture.”
Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail said: “As Ireland’s largest sporting, cultural and community organisation, the GAA is committed to promoting Irish culture home and abroad. The Ulster Council GAA is delighted to be helping to lead efforts in using technology to achieve these goals.”
Seamus McCormack of Comhaltas, said: “Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is a global movement to preserve and promote Irish culture and traditional music. The Gaelgo Cultural Event Finder further extends that global reach but can also inspire people living in Ireland to connect with their culture and rich traditions.”
Fintan Mullan of the Ulster Historical Foundation said: “With over 50 years of experience helping people trace Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors, the launch of the Ulster-Scots Experience will help the Foundation to increase interest in the history of the province of Ulster and inspire pride in Irish and Ulster heritage and culture”
GaelGo is now available for download from the App Store for free – it includes all up-to-date information on GAA games, events and activities. The app was developed by Derry based company, BT48.com
By admin Fri 18th May
