TEAM IRELAND describes a the partnership between nine distinct groups in Middle Tennessee that have an existing alliance with Ireland in a specific way. These groups strive to promote and support an active relationship with Ireland in various ways including Education, Theater and Film, Gaelic Games (G.A.A), Christianity, Music/Traditions/Customs/Folklore, Linguistics, Tourism, Genealogy and History. The goal of TEAM IRELAND is to advance and to ameliorate these robust Irish relationships from an altruistic perspective; through a sentiment of truly honoring the culture and heritage of both Ireland and Middle Tennessee. TEAM IRELAND's mission is to bring together the people of both regions and to celebrate our common ancestry, to foster dignity and to continue to create beauty from our shared bond of Irishness. This sentiment is perpetuated by the logo and mantra, "TEAM IRELAND, Fostering Dignity and Beauty in Our Shared Irishness". 

TEAM IRELAND and  A.I.C.E (Authentic Ireland Cultural Enrichment and member of TEAM IRELAND promoting traditional Irish music, Gaelic language, traditions and folklore) are delighted to learn that many Middle Tennesseans are very eager to learn the native Irish language called Irish Gaelic​. We are so lucky to have Meaití Jó Shéamuis Ó Fátharta and his sister Máirín Jó Shéamuis (Mhic Risteáird or Richardson) from Connemara to teach the classes, which will be available online and so to anyone in the world who would like to participate.
The classes will kickoff on January 16th, 2012 at 6pm CST,  'The Ireland Room' at O'More College of Design, Franklin, TN and again the live classes will also be available online (Skype).

​Each weekly class will last one hour and will consist mainly of Irish conversation or Cómhrá Ghaeilge​​, where each student will learn how to converse on various topics through the Gaelic language (see curriculum on http://www.eiliscreanaice.com/gaelic_lessons.html). Some of the content for the Cómhrá will be based around common themes such as new years resolutions or St. Patrick's Day celebrations, for example. However, the main purpose and goal of the classes will be to also teach the students about the Irish heritage and culture. By the end of each semester, each participant should be able to converse as gaeilge in an informed way, on an array of topics such as traditional Irish music, song, dance, storytelling, history and many more ideas prevalent to the Irish culture.

Each class will cost $10. The first semester will be 10 weeks in duration. We encourage everyone to sign up for the 10 weeks so that the maximum benefit can be derived from the tuition and to foster real progress with the language. A.I.C.E is offering the class at a very reasonable price because our focus is to pass along the real Irish culture in the form of language, music, song, dance and story. Please use the paypal button on the website to signup for the classes http://www.eiliscreanaice.com/gaelic_lessons.html

If TEAM IRELAND's mission and vision appeals to you and if you'd like to learn more about joining our team, please email " style="color: #336699; text-decoration: underline; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center; -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: #ffe4c4;"> for information or check out www.eiliscreanAICE.com.