Video: Gaeilgeoirí march en masse for Irish rights

The rally, which was organised by the Irish language society at Magee, was attended by students, gaelscoileanna pupils, parents and staff, GAA club members and Comhaltas and Conradh na Gaeilge members.

Sinn Féin Assembly candidate, Raymond McCartney, who also attended the protest, said the large turn out demonstrated the depth of feeling on the issue in Derry.

“The large crowd at this demonstration in Derry and similar events in Newry show the level of public anger at the DUP’s total lack of respect for the Irish language and identity,” he said.

“The Irish language is an integral part of the lives of a growing number of people who use it daily and their rights should be protected.

“No one has anything to fear from the Irish language or an Irish Language Act,” he added.

Mr. McCartney said the continuing failure to give Irish full legal status in the North was a failure to fulfil obligatiions that were committed to by the British government at St Andrews over ten years ago.

“The British and Irish governments need to implement the commitment for an Irish language act from the St Andrew’s Agreement and outstanding commitments from other agreements,” said Mr. McCartney.

“This is is clear issue of rights and Sinn Féin is standing up for the respect, integrity and equality for all,” concluded Mr. McCartney.