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.