Compulsory Irish: Language and the Education in Ireland 1870s-1970s

The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of compulsory Irish on Ireland's education system, drawing from previously unused government files. It explores the motivations behind the policy, rooted in pre-independence nationalism, and its emphasis in primary, secondary, and tertiary education. The author argues that while the revival of the Irish language was prioritized, it often came at the expense of students' academic achievements and the language's dignity, highlighting the policy's misalignment with educational needs.