Blogs

Storms continue to wreak havoc across many of the Celtic nations. Worst hit at this stage seems to be parts of Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man and North Wales. Many are without power in Ireland with roads closed due to fallen trees. Widespread flooding and landslides have been caused by Storm Desmond with 83 mph winds, heavy rain, with high tides increasing flood risks in coastal areas. Rising river levels continue to cause concern with people being evacuated from their homes. The storms are set to continue overnight.

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

The National Illiam Dhone ceremony is held each year on the 2nd January at Hango Hill, Castletown the place of execution of the 17th century patriot William Christian.

The iconic ruin of the old summerhouse forms a grim, though misleading, back drop. It was in fact constructed after the events of Jan 2nd 1663 when Dhone met his death with dignity at that place.

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

There was extremely heavy rain on the Isle of Man today and it led to unprecedented deadlock on the main arterial routes out of Douglas the Capital.

As workers started to leave for home late evening traffic snarled up. This sort of thing is not unusual in TT week when roads are closed. Traffic crawls at snails pace through the inner core of the capitals roads but last night was different because it soon became apparent there was no where for the traffic to go – in the end people were advised to stay at work until things cleared.

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

It’s that time of year when you have the Eisteddfod – no not in Wales but in the Welsh speaking community in Patagonia.

There’s currently a series of articles from the Eisteddfod held earlier this month on the Facebook pages of our colleagues in the Patagonian branch of the Celtic League.

There are reports on the poetry, harp competitions dancing etc and also the performances given by the National Orchestra of Wales that visited venues in the Welsh speaking Diaspora and other venues in Argentina to mark this historic year.

A Taste of Christmas, held at St James' Church in Dalby, attracted a capacity audience in the run up to the festive season, with a tried and tested formula providing a sparkling programme of entertainment.

Gathered around the schoolroom fire on a windswept, winter evening, amongst an atmosphere of oil lamps, candlelight and rural decoration, it was the perfect setting for the combined talents of the Manx Gaelic choir Caarjyn Cooidjagh, under the direction of Annie Kissack.

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

The former First Minister of Scotland on a visit to Ireland has said he believes Irish Unity is as inevitable as Scottish Independence.

He told an Irish newspaper such political development could only happen in the future as long as it is done democratically, peacefully and with the consent of the people, particularly those in the north of the island.

Alex Salmond said of Irish unity:

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

The Celtic League was founded in 1961 at Rhosllannerchrugog near Wrexham in northeast Wales. A group of people came together, many of whom had links to the Celtic Congress (a parallel groups that eschews politics), to establish a group that would campaign on a broad agenda including political, social and cultural objectives and promote cooperation between the Celtic Nations. Those objectives have grown as the League has developed.

Multiple media outlets are reporting on the jaw dropping pettiness of London’s cut in funding for Scots Gaelic broadcasting. The British Government’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, The Right Honourable George Osborne, will eliminate 100% of the current funding for Gaelic language television.  In the scheme of things the elimination of the £1 million in funding is not catastrophic. The monies previously allocated by the UK Department of Culture, Media and Sport represents only about 5% of the budget for BBC Alba, the BBC Scots Gaelic channel.

In July of last year Transceltic reported that the Bòrd na Gàidhlig, an organisation formed under Scotland’s the 2005 Language Act, had issued its Annual Report for 2013/2014.  The report showed dramatic growth in Gaelic medium education showing a 6% increase in primary school and a 7% increase in secondary school enrollment.  The Bord’s report attributed the reversal in the decline of Gaelic speakers, as reported in the 2011 census, to the increases in Gaelic medium education. 

News From The Celtic League

A response to our query about safety issues at Heysham nuclear power station and the decision to continue its operation beyond its original safe operating date;

https://www.celticleague.net/…/heysham-1-is-it-safe-nuclea…/