"Ní bhíonn an rath ach mar a mbíonn an smacht...there is no success except where there is discipline."

Irish grammar, like all gramamar, requires a certain level of discipline to learn. However, when it comes to Irish grammar...I find that Irish can be a little sketchy sometimes.

One of the major complaints from new students of Learning Irish is that there is too much grammar...while those who have a little experience with the language tend to notice the lack of detail in its grammar.

One of the most praised and marketed grammar books for Irish is the Christen Brothers New Irish Grammar...yet I find it also just skimming the surface of Irish grammar.

So my question is for the many grammarian-types I have noticed here...which is the best grammar reference for the Irish language? I have found many Irish grammar books on the web...but which of them is the ideal book for the beginner-intermediate level student?

While I have an "above average" understanding of grammar in general...I would never go so far as to say I am a grammarian. I am a firm believer that grammar is the "physics" of linguistics...and like physics, it requires a certain type of "sense" to truly understand and appreciate it. And sadly...when it comes to this type of "sense," I have to agree with another old saying...

"Níl ann ach leathúsa céille, is é scaipthe ar fud an tsaoil..."

Let me correct that...

I meant to say Christian Brothers New Irish Grammar....sorry.