I have noticed that some of people here try to compare struggle in reintroducing a national language - Polish in XIX c to Gaelic in XX c
just some input form a Pole who speaks Polish language and wish to be a witness of revival of Gaelic language in Celtic speaking areas
what I dream about is to have a chance to hear a typical crap about politics ( 'talking heads' in TV in particular language, in my case - Gaelic ). That would be a proof that language is preserved and got potential for the nation. Other story about Gaelic in positive way is that I can watch cartoons for children on TG4 which is great sign of progress.
The Welsh have Welsh speaking chanels...its actually quite funny when you hear it...its all Welsh and a word like "supermarket" in English pops in :D I think the more foreigners flood your country, the more you want to preseve your heritage...So I see the Irish and Welsh doing more for future generations.
You also have to remember Del Boy that the Irish were punished (by death in most cases) for speaking Gaelic and were and still are an occupied country and if that isnt bad enough they have some lefti PC government in who doesnt seem to care about the rights of the Irish.
So it will be a long time before you hear Gaelic spoken as a common language on the streets of Ireland :(