Member Profile: Tyler Kidd

Tyler Kidd’s interest in the Irish language stems from a trip to Ireland (one of 11 and counting) when he was in Matt Molloy’s Pub in Westport, heard a beautiful song as Gaeilge, and could not understand the words (he is still trying to figure out the song).

After a year of trying to learn on Duolingo (and finishing the course), Tyler realized that he had no meaningful understanding of the language. A hard-headed Appalachian by birth, he decided to enroll in the A0 Course with Let’s Learn Irish. “In my first course, I realized in the first 15 minutes that I was finally learning the language and that I was going to be learning Irish for the rest of my life…I now find myself watching Peil Ghaelach (Gaelic Football) as Gaeilge on the GAA Go App when I can (Maigh Eo abú!), listening to RnaG and watching Nuacht daily.” Tyler enjoys traveling with his wife (who completed the A0 course), especially to the West of Ireland, where they both hope to retire one day.

Cé Thusa?

Ainm/Name: Tyler Kidd 
Áit/Location: Richmond, VA, USA 

Leibhéal/Level:
A1 Beginner

Ról sa Chomhphobal/Role in the Community:
Foghlaimeoir/Learner 

Slí Beatha/Occupation:
Dlíodóir/Lawyer

Am ag foghlaim Gaeilge/Time learning Irish:
Dhá bhliain/2 years 

Caithimh Aimseartha/Hobbies:
Ag taisteal, Ag sciáil, Ag éisteacht le ceol, Ag foghlaim Gaeilge.

Cad is Fearr Leat?

Ceol/Music: Is maith liom gach cineál ceol, ach is fearr liom rac-ceol.
Amhrán/Song: “Dreams” leis The Allman Brothers Band
Bia/Food: Bia mara/Seafood
Deoch/Drink: Guinness (see pic)
Scannán/Film: The Big Lebowski
Clár Teilifíse/TV show: Derry Girls
Podchraoladh/Podcast: The THL Podcast
Leabhar/Book: To Kill A Mockingbird
Ainmhí/Animal: Madra/Dog
Laoch/Hero: John Hume (Irish politician and staunch advocate for peaceful reunification of Ireland, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize).
Áit in Éirinn/Place in Ireland: Cathair na Mara/Westport
Frása Gaeilge/Irish Phrase: Caith siar é, na lig aniar é/Throw it back, don’t throw it up!
Miotaseolaíocht/Irish Mythology: Cú Chulainn
Seanfhocal/Proverb: Fag an drochscéal san áit a fuar tú é/Leave the bad news where you found it.
Mana saoil/Life motto: Níor bhris focal maith fiacail riamh/A good word never broke a tooth.
Comhairle d’fhoghlaimeoirí nua/Advice for new learners of Irish: Cleachtadh, Cleachtadh, Cleachtadh! Bainfidh tú taitneamh agus tairbhe as an teanga/Practice, Practice, Practice! You will find enjoyment and fulfilment from learning the language.

Bígí páirteach!
Join the online Irish community at LetsLearnIrish.com.
Follow on social media @LetsLearnIrish.

Related Articles

10 Authentic Ways to Celebrate Irish Culture this St. Patrick’s Day

Observed around the world, St. Patrick’s Day is a chance for everyone to embrace the Irish culture, regardless of where they are or what their heritage might be. It’s a day to don yourself in green, enjoy a parade if your town has one, and grab a pint of Guinness, if you’re so inclined. However, these common activities aren’t the only tactics to “be a little Irish” on March 17th. Instead, there are plenty of opportunities to authentically delve deeper into the Irish culture. Perhaps one of the best ways to partake in the tradition of St. Patrick’s Day, and honor the Irish, is to learn a little more about them.

10 Places to Visit in the Gaeltacht

Whether you’re looking to use your Irish in real life or simply want to explore the most traditional parts of Ireland, a visit to a Gaeltacht should be on your agenda. To help you out, here’s our list of 10 must-see places in the Gaeltacht, each unique in its own way. To make it simpler, we’ve grouped them by counties.