Irish Graduation & Teacher Gift Blessings
The graduation material is the strongest suit this tradition has: short, concrete proverbs about work and learning that have been doing card duty for generations because they are true. The notes below say which suits a card, which an engraving, and which the gift from a class to a teacher.
For teachers specifically, honesty requires a note: the sayings here are about learning and the young rather than addressed to teachers themselves. That is a gap in what we have sourced so far, not in the tradition. And this site does not fill gaps with invented Irish.
8 sayings each with its source, and its job
- Níl bua gan duaThere is no success without effort.Four words, no victory without effort: the graduation card line, and short enough for an engraving.See it as a print
- Tús maith leath na hoibreWell begun is half done.Well begun is half done: for the start of whatever comes next.See it as a print
- As an obair a thagann an fhoghlaimLearning comes out of the doing.Learning comes out of the doing. The closest thing here to a teacher’s creed.See it as a print
- Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh síPraise the young and they will flourish.Praise the young and they will flourish. The other teacher’s creed, and the right gift from a class to one.See it as a print
- Molann an obair an saorThe work praises the workman.The work praises the craftsman: for a graduate whose results speak for themselves.See it as a print
- Is minic a rinne bromach gioblach capall cumasachMany a ragged colt made a fine horse.For the late bloomer: often a ragged colt made a fine horse.See it as a print
- Ní neart go cur le chéileThere is strength in unity.Strength in unity: for a team, a class, or a cohort scattering.See it as a print
- Tús na heagna eagla an TiarnaWisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.The beginning of wisdom, in its unapologetically religious original. Right where that register is wanted.See it as a print
Not the occasion you meant? Start from the chooser: or browse every sourced saying.