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Scooby · **Joined:** Tue 06 Sep 2011 7:18 pm **Posts:** 576

Iarnród Éireann, Dáil Éireann, Saorstát Éireann, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
Poblacht na hÉireann

Go figure!!!

Errigal · **Joined:** Fri 09 Sep 2011 2:06 pm **Posts:** 716

Mick wrote:

Éire is one of those countries that doesn't take the definite article. Unlike "An Fhrainc" and "An Spáinn" we never say "An Éire." We just say "Éire."

So why does it take the definite article in the genitive? "Muintir na hÉireann," "Uachtarán na hÉireann," "Banc na hÉireann" etc.

Check 'Graiméar Gaeilge na mBráithre Críostaí' p46 7.4 on line (yon URL thingummy isn't working for me).

Quote:

Why not "An Banc Éireann"?

This would break Irish grammar rules in the same way that 'an bhean Phádraig' or 'an fear an tí' would.

Mick · **Joined:** Fri 18 Nov 2011 2:27 pm **Posts:** 622

Errigal wrote:

Check 'Graiméar Gaeilge na mBráithre Críostaí' p46 7.4 on line (yon URL thingummy isn't working for me

I understand what the rule is. I guess I was asking, how/why did the rule develop? Maybe it's just one of those "that's just the way we say it" moments.

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