Educator and advocate John Handy is the recipient of an Irish Echo Community Champion Award for his efforts to promote, teach and support the learning of the Irish language globally.
According to The Irish Echo, the purpose of the Community Champions Awards is to “shine a light on the efforts of those who serve and advance worthy concerns and causes and by doing so are living up to the best traditions of the American Irish.” Established in 1928 and published in the United States and Ireland, The Irish Echo is the oldest and most widely read Irish American Newspaper.
Handy is the founder of Irish Language Learners LLC, whose mission is to promote, teach and support the learning of the Irish Language.
“Due to factors including colonization, emigration and globalization, the number of Irish speakers has declined through the centuries,” noted Handy. “I’m proud to be part of generations past and present who fought and are fighting to keep the Irish language alive and thriving.”
According to Mr. Handy, “Irish Language Learners promotes this beautiful language through irishlanguagelearners.com, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, presentations and participation in Irish/Celtic festivals and Irish immersion events. We teach Irish through live and on-line classes, tutoring, and open-house events. We support the learning of Irish by building relationships and sharing resources with other Irish language programs and advocacy groups.”
Handy grew up in Doylestown and began learning the Irish language as an adult in Philadelphia after receiving his dual Irish citizenship. He was encouraged to participate in an Irish language immersion week held annually in upstate New York hosted by Daltaí na Gaeilge (Students of Irish).
He imagined that he could help fellow Irish Americans and language enthusiasts around the world to connect with and learn Irish.
Handy met his wife of 33 years, Estelle, while attending the University of Arizona. Estelle is bilingual and she encouraged John’s interest in language by helping him learn to speak Greek. The couple raised their three children in Bucks County.
They travel to Ireland every year if possible, specifically to promote the study of the Irish language.
After graduating from the University of Arizona, Handy worked at Merck & Co. in West Point, Pa., for 30 years, but Irish Language Learners is now his passion.
Handy and his wife perform music in their church choir and enjoy playing Irish music with friends. Handy says that above all of his activities throughout the years, Irish Language Learners has brought him the biggest challenges and the deepest satisfaction.
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