If you're preparing for the Irish Leaving Cert poetry section, you'll likely come across Mo Ghrá-sa (idir lúibíní). This poem is one of the most talked-about and cleverly subversive poems on the course. It was written by the poet Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill and is a blend of love, satire, and Irish cultural symbolism. Here, we'll explore the poem's structure, themes, and literary techniques, and provide some background, context, and practical tips.
Why Irish Is One of the Most Rewarding Subjects on the Leaving Cert
Irish is one of the most rewarding subjects that students have the opportunity to learn throughout their secondary school education. Not only will the hard work that you put in be rewarded with Leaving Cert points, but you will also be improving your command of the island’s native tongue.
earned an honours grade (H1–H4).
The course has one of the highest rates of honours grades being awarded across Leaving Cert subjects and is a subject that, if you put the work in, you’ll get rewarded tenfold. The course is also refreshing in that it allows students to engage with some treasured Irish literature as part of the course curriculum.
One such poem that is very likely to be the one you see when you turn over your exam booklet next June is "Mo Ghrá sa".
Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill is one of the most celebrated voices in modern Irish poetry (filíocht).
Born in England and raised in Ireland, she writes exclusively in Irish and is known for blending mythology, feminism, and personal experience.
Ní Dhomhnaill’s work, including Mo Ghrá-sa (idir lúibíní), redefines traditional themes like love and beauty through a contemporary, often subversive lens.
If you ask your Irish teacher, they will likely tell you that this is their favourite poem on the course, so you might want to consider paying this one a little extra attention! Our aim in this article is to cover everything you need to know about the poem so that you can answer any question that comes your way in the exam!
Understanding the Poem “Mo Ghrá-sa” and Its Author, Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill
A great way to fill up a little bit of space in your answer booklet, regardless of the question that appears, is to jot down a few sentences about the background of the poem and the poet.
Of course, if you want to secure a top grade and differentiate yourself from some of the other essays that your examiner will likely be correcting, then you should weave the question into these paragraphs and support your arguments with quotes.
By mentioning how "Mo Ghrá-sa" is a poem written in the Irish language by Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill after introducing your essay and going on to explain how she was one of the foremost poets of the Irish language in the 20th century, you’ll be showing the examiner that you’ve done your homework and know your stuff!
One thing that might be missing from many of the essays being handed up by other Leaving Cert students, that you could mention in your own is how her mother brought her up to speak English, her father and his side of the family spoke very fluent Irish and used it every day.
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The Cultural and Historical Background of This Irish Love Poem
Examiners are always on the lookout for students who can express some understanding of the significance of the poems that are held in such high regard, seeing as they’ve been selected for the Leaving Certificate exam.
Ní Dhomhnail’s works delve into the traditions and cultural heritage of Ireland, drawing inspiration from ancient tales of Irish folklore and mythology as well as exploring modern themes like feminism, sexuality and societal norms.
Her poem "Mo Ghrá sa (Between Sheets)" was released in 2013, showcasing her connection to the language. She has expressed that Irish is not a language but a medium of beauty, rich history, deep roots and a profound capacity for expression in everyday communication.
She is a versatile poet who has written plenty of poetry collections, children's plays, screenplays, anthologies, articles, reviews, and essays.
So, even if you mention it only in your closing remarks, highlighting how her writing effectively conveys her themes with authenticity and a personal touch, honouring the language and culture that have influenced her sense of self, will leave the examiner with a positive impression of your essay.
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Poem Structure, Luibini, and Language Techniques in “Mo Ghrá-sa”
It shouldn’t take too many reads of the poem for you to realise how its structure and form play a role in shaping its meaning and impact.
While at a higher level, you’ll be expected to analyse the poem in great depth, that doesn’t mean that deeper meaning can’t be found in plain sight!
The phrase idir lúibíní means “in brackets” in English. It signals a key theme in the poem, the contrast between idealised love and realistic affection.
The brackets themselves represent how traditional romantic clichés are pushed aside in favour of emotional truth and honesty. This subtle detail adds a layer of depth to your exam answer.
You can, of course, make some comments on how the poem is divided into sections, each with several lines. While this might not seem like anything out of the ordinary at first glance, the format establishes a flow and tempo, guiding readers through the exploration of themes and concepts.
What a great way to use structure and form as a way to introduce some of the themes that you will likely have covered in great length in your Irish classes.
Another avenue that you could go down that will help you to pick some marks in your essays is to mention how each section represents an idea or feeling, making up a coherent storyline.
Now, being a Leaving Cert exam on poetry, you can expect there to be a question that encourages you to examine the poetic structure and techniques in great detail, so make sure to have a few paragraphs in your arsenal that you can weave into any question that might come up.
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One thing that Ní Dhomhnaill is renowned for is her use of rhyme, so this might be a great place to start! A great way to steer your essay in a direction that will be rewarded in the marking scheme is to show how her rhyming patterns lend a quality that enhances the poem’s essence, reinforcing the underlying messages and sentiments conveyed in the poem.
The poem showcases a meter and rhythm that enhance its flow and pace. Ní Dhomhnaill adeptly manipulates syllables to craft a rhythm that guides readers through the lines. This rhythmic pattern enriches the language of the poem, giving words and phrases heightened resonance.
The way the verses flow together really brings out the poet's feelings and stirs up emotions in those who read it, so make sure to get this all down in your answer booklet and see your grades climb up a few brackets!
A shúile róchóngarach dá chéile.
Themes of Love, Mythology and Realism in This Irish Poem
Knowing the poem itself won’t cut it at a higher level, there is a need to study the poem from several angles and provide a deep-level analysis in your answers.
However, there are certain angles that you might want to prioritise when you are looking at the poem due to their adaptability to a range of topics or their tendency to appear as a standalone question. One such lens you might want to look at in the poem is the themes that make the piece so touching.
You could argue that the theme that is most central to the poem is a celebration of love and commitment.
Níl sé cosúil le bláth na n-airní...
The poet vividly portrays her partner, expressing affection and admiration. Her ability to see beauty in imperfections and value the qualities that make her love special is something that strikes you from your first reading of the poem.
Is cuma sa diabhal má tá cluasa móra aige.
Many questions will allow you to draw on several different themes in your answer. In such a case, you might want to consider backing up your arguments by discussing the themes of folklore and mythology that are blended seamlessly into the poem. These allusions not only bring richness and authenticity to the verse but also serve as a tribute to the lasting influence of Irish culture on literature.
Agus tugann sé dom fíon.
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Exam Insights: Imagery, Description and Common Questions on “Mo Ghrá-sa”
In the interest of saving yourself from having to prepare countless potential questions that could be asked on any given poem, it’s certainly more advantageous to prepare arguments that you can adapt so strengthen your answers to commonly asked questions.
Seeing as the poem stands as a tribute to the enduring strength of love, emphasising that genuine devotion surpasses flaws to embrace the essence of the beloved, many of the Leaving Cert questions that have appeared in the past have been related to this.
So, for example, you could have a couple of pages in your notes about how imagery throughout the poem is used as a medium to express her emotions. By supporting your arguments with a range of quotes that reference the flowers, thorns, trees and apples, you can then begin explaining how they serve as metaphors for the intricacies of love and life.
Ach tugann sé dom úlla...
See how a knowledge of the context of the poem and its key quotes can help you make a compelling answer across a range of commonly asked questions. It’s about working smart as well as hard!
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How to Prepare for the Leaving Cert Irish Poetry Exam
If you are looking to secure a high mark in the poetry section of the Irish Leaving Cert Exam, then the most valuable resource is going to be the marking schemes.
By having a marking scheme on hand when you are preparing your sample answer that you will study when preparing for the big day to come around next June, you’ll have a sense of what your examiner will be looking for.
- Love vs. superficial beauty
- Irish mythology and cultural symbolism
- Realistic relationships
- Satire and humour in modern poetry
Having a sense of what marks are being awarded in the poetry section will allow you to tailor your answers so that your time in the exam hall is spent as efficiently as possible.
By exploring the poem's structure, themes, and historical background, you'll develop an understanding of its importance in literature.
Keep in mind that "Mo Ghrá sa" is more than a poem for analysis; it serves as a glimpse into the world of Irish culture and language, providing insights that go well beyond the confines of the exam hall.
By approaching your study through this lens, you’ll begin to see the subject in a new light and perhaps even find the process more rewarding and engaging as a result!
Get Help with the Irish Leaving Cert with a Superprof Tutor
If you're struggling to make sense of poetic structure, themes, or sample answers, working with a private tutor through Superprof could change your outlook.
While poems like "Mo Ghrá'sa (idir lúbíní)" can be challenging, a private tutor can offer personalised one-on-one lessons to help you achieve higher-level fluency, refine your filíocht exam technique, and give you a more straightforward path through the poetry unit with tailored guidance. Learn how to structure answers, build your vocabulary, and confidently analyse poems, from the meaning of lúbíní to the clever metaphors in unseen texts.
There are plenty of qualified Irish tutors across Ireland and online, and thanks to Superprof, you can browse their profiles, see how much they charge, read their reviews, and get in touch with them to arrange your tutoring. With most tutors offering the first session for free, you can also try a few potential tutors to find the one that´s perfect for you, your preferred learning style, and your budget.
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