Na Ceithearna Coille, which translates as The Woodkern, is putting the stickers on non-bilingual signs across the North and in some areas in the South to "heighten the presence of Irish throughout Ireland by conducting an effective visual campaign".

A spokesperson for the group, who refused to give his name, said, "Our sticker campaign is designed to create maximum awareness and will only affront those who are threatened by cultural and linguistic equality. We are not forcing Irish on anybody who does not want to speak it . . .

we only ask for language rights and recognition."

The group was formed earlier this year "to raise awareness of Gaelic among our English-speaking counterparts and at the same time keep the Irish language establishment on its toes".

They call themselves a network of young Irish speakers between 18 and 30 who have members based in the North and in Dublin, Cork, Kildare, Louth and Cavan.

Their spokesman said "The idea of the 'As Gaeilge Anois' stickers was inspired by similar campaigns in Wales, Scotland and the Basque country.

Cymru and Euskal Herria now have bilingual signs and Scotland has Gaelic signs in its traditional Gaelic-speaking areas.

"We believe the stickers will illustrate to the authorities that the thousands of Irish speakers throughout the country are calling for recognition in the North, and greater respect in the South."

The group says that they have no political ties. "Being a member of the Irish-speaking community is not a political statement. It is simply a way of life, an expression of culture, a means of communication."

Asked why he would not give his name to the Sunday Tribune, the spokesman said: "We are unwilling to provide names as certain anti-Gaelic elements in the North have encouraged the Roads Service (DRD) to prosecute anybody found putting up 'As Gaeilge Anois' stickers."

It is claimed that the stickers are a hazard to drivers but Na Ceithearna Coille deny this and say they will continue to put up their stickers all over Ireland in the months ahead.