Member Profile: Matt O’Heir

Matt O'Heir
Matt O’Heir, Foghlaimeoir na Gaeilge

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!

Related Articles

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.

Na hOileáin Árann: A History of the Aran Islands

Finally, another part of the Aran Islands’ identity comes from being a Gaeltacht. Although Oliver Cromwell did arrive on the islands during his conquest of Ireland in the mid-17th century and set up a defensive fort there, he eventually left with his troops. The population of the islands increased afterwards, as some people from the mainland moved to the Aran Islands to escape the reach of the English. Because inhabitants were ultimately less harried by the colonizers, the Irish language was able to persist. Today, Irish remains the first language of the islands.

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.