Member Profile: Matt O’Heir
Matt O’Heir never expected to be thinking about a hurling match at breakfast.
Matt dabbled with Irish on Duolingo, enough to convince him that he needed to take an actual course in order to learn the language. He took a class at a heritage center in Chicago, and had planned to take a second one when the pandemic hit. That’s when he found Let’s Learn Irish.
Matt grew up in an Irish-American neighborhood, but never took much of an interest in the Irish culture until he started learning the language. Now, he finds himself invested in all things Irish, from its music to the death of Fungi, the island’s beloved dolphin. He has found learning Irish to be a rewarding experience, and at times a useful distraction when other parts of life get tough.
Cé Thusa?
Ainm/Name: Matt O’Heir
Áit/Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Leibhéal/Level: B1 Intermediate
Ról sa Chomhphobal/Role in the Community: Foghlaimeoir/Learner
Slí Beatha/Occupation: Inslitheoir (Insulator)
Fad ag foghlaim Gaeilge/Time learning Irish: Ceithre bliana (4 years)
Caithimh Aimseartha/Hobbies: Ag rothaíacht, Ag rith, Ag feachaint ar scannáin, Ag foghlaim Gaeilge, Ag breathnú ar spórt
Cad is Fearr Leat?
Ceol/Music: Is maith liom gach cineál ceol
Amhrán/Song: ‘Partyman’ le Prince
Bia/Food: Domplagáin Síneach (Chinese dumplings)
Deoch/Drink: Leann dubh (Black port)
Scannán/Film: Jaws
Clár Teilifíse/TV Show: The X-Files
Podchraoladh/Podcast: What A Time To Be Alive
Leabhar/Book: Moby Dick
Ainmhí/Animal: Mús (Moose)
Laoch/Hero: Sitting Bull
Áit in Éirinn/Place in Ireland: Gaillimh
Frása Gaeilge/Irish phrase: Is fánach an áit a bhfaighfeá gliomach (It’s a random place where you’ll find a lobseter/It’s a small world)
Miotaseolaíocht/Irish Mythology: Selkies
Seanfhocal/Proverb: Is tuisce deoch ná scéal (A drink precedes a story)
Mana saoil/Life motto: Tóg go bog é (Take it easy)
Comhairle d’fhoghlaimeoirí nua/Advice for new learners of Irish: Just keep going, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and take every opportunity to just talk or just listen to others talk.
Join the online Irish community for cúrsaí, comhrá & ceardlanna, and follow along on social media @LetsLearnIrish – beidh fáilte romhat!
