Feiseanna as Irish language song and dance competitions were widespread in every county of Ireland in the early 1900's. What I would like to know is if there are any still going in the States like a North American Feis or in Ireland .The word feiseanna now seems hijacked by the Irish dancers and stands for Irish dancing competitions only. I would love if schools in my local county got together and had competitions in sean-nós singing, dancing, lúibíní. agallaimh beirte just like the Oireachtas every October. It would promote the language no end and these contestants could then compete in the Oireachtas and what about a North American Feis or Oireachtas if there isnt one why dont we organise one

Yes. No sooner is a particular idea successful than the Irish language side of it is quietly discarded. The language can only survive by being associated with and supported by other cultural phenomena: dancing, sport, music, religion, etc.

Drama, debates, lúibíní, agallaimh beirte, sean-nós, and recitations, scéalaíocht, sean-fhocail, projects to associate Irish vocabulary with familiar artifacts etc. This medium will reveal possibilities never thought of yet.

Unfortunately the purism associated with some Irish-language events allows no room for participation by the intermediate level learners. Surely a huge effort should be made to give recognition to enthusiasts at that level as well as ensuring the constant celebration of the advanced level learners and native-speakers.

Precisely Taidhgín learners at all levels would improve in all aspects of Irish language learning through competing at feiseanna I have no doubt. And these feiseanna would be learners feiseanna only. I have read that Aralt Mac Giolla Choinnigh of the North American Gaeltacht wants to organise a Canadian Oireachtas which is a brilliant idea.