Second-level students from Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach are taking a creative lead in this year’s “Shop Local | Shop Carlow” campaign a celebration of Carlow’s vibrant retail community, the Irish language, and youth creativity.
Supported by Creative Ireland and the Student Enterprise Programme, and produced in partnership with Eileen Mc Cabe from Content Plan and Rosie Dunne , Student Enterprise Co-ordinator, this inspiring initiative invites students to step into the role of digital storytellers capturing the spirit of local business in their own words, voices, and language.
Throughout November and December, the Gaelcholáiste students will feature on social media where they visited their favourite shops and businesses across Carlow. Students involved included , Tristan Mac Aodh Bhuí, Conor Ó Raghallaigh, Faith Nic Aogáin and Teegan Nic Eochaidh Ní Ghuaire.
Cllr. Ken Murnane, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, praised the campaign’s focus on language and identity: “The Shop Local | Shop Carlow initiative is a wonderful example of how we can celebrate both local business and the Irish language. Projects like this show that Irish is not just something for the classroom it’s part of our daily lives, part of our community, and part of who we are as a county.”
Working with Carlow County Council Team the students recorded learning real-world media skills from scripting and interviewing to video recording and editing while also celebrating the Irish language as a living and practical part of community life.
The finished videos will form part of the wider Shop Local - Shop Carlow campaign, shared on Carlow County Council and Local Enterprise Office Carlow’s social media channels throughout the festive season, encouraging everyone to shop locally and support Carlow’s unique businesses.
The Shop Local | Shop Carlow project combines three key themes: community, creativity, and culture. By placing Irish-speaking students at the heart of the campaign, it celebrates the Irish language not only as an academic subject, but as a natural, everyday tool for communication, business, and storytelling.
The initiative reinforces the message that shopping local supports real people and families.
Linda Culleton, Economic Development Officer with Carlow County Council, highlighted the power of youth and culture in promoting business:
“It’s fantastic to see second-level students from Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach taking an active role in celebrating our local retail community. By exploring and promoting local shops through the Irish language, they’re showing how creativity and culture can work hand-in-hand with enterprise. This project builds pride in both our local economy and our linguistic heritage.”
Dearbhla O’Dwyer, Business Advisor with the Local Enterprise Office who looks after the student Enterprise Programme, spoke about the campaign’s innovative approach to youth engagement:
“The students are bringing such fresh energy to the Shop Local message. By using digital media to tell the stories of their favourite shops, they’re helping local businesses connect with new audiences. It’s a great example of how education, enterprise, and creativity can come together to strengthen community life.”
Shop Local | Shop Carlow is a countywide initiative led by Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, supported by Creative Ireland, the Student Enterprise Programme, and Content Plan with Carlow Chamber & Carlow Tourism
The campaign encourages everyone to support Carlow’s independent retailers by sharing the personal stories behind local businesses their people, products, and passion. Through engaging digital content, it reminds us that every purchase made locally helps sustain jobs, community connections, and the unique spirit of Carlow’s towns and villages
The collaboration between Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach, Creative Ireland, Content Plan, and Local Enterprise Office Carlow showcases the best of Carlow’s creative and community spirit. It empowers young people to use their voices and their language to make a real impact, while promoting a strong, sustainable future for local enterprise.