Over 30,000 pupils in more than 320 schools across Ireland are taking part in the Gaeilge24 challenge being run by Conradh na Gaeilge today.

The Irish language challenge sees students raising money for the promotion of the language by speaking only Irish for the duration of the day.

It marks the fifth year of the annual event, with schools from almost every county taking part.

Aodhán Ó Deá, Director of Development with Conradh na Gaeilge said: "Seeing 30,000+ students talking part in Gaeilge24 is a testiment to the rising levels of interest in the Irish language. There are 20% more students taking part this year than in 2015. This shows that young people are becoming more comfortable in using Irish in the daily lives, outside of the classroom.”

Ciaran Mac Raghnaill, Irish teacher at Drumshanbo Vocational School in Leitrim said: “Since Gaeilge24 started my students have always looked forward to taking part in the challenge. Not only do they enjoy the day but it also helps improve their spoken Irish. Gaeilge24 is great for promoting the Irish language here in school and it also promotes the language locally here in Drumshanbo.”