Alastair Kneale's blog

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

Many sources have shown the importance of the natural world to the Celts, for example in the following on the Transceltic website:

http://www.transceltic.com/pan-celtic/swan-celtic-mythology

http://www.transceltic.com/…/ravens-celtic-and-norse-mythol…

Press Release from Yn Chruinnaght:

Gig Passes go on sale for Island’s biggest Celtic festival

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

Just ten days after I highlighted the use by French politicians and their families of the Isle of Man ‘well regulated’ financial services sector to set up secret bank accounts 15 years ago another scandal is rocking the French establishment and the Isle of Man is in the frame again.

In an article to mark holocaust day I reported on the use made by Francois Mitterands son of the Islands banking services to carry on arms trading deals in Africa which ultimately cost thousands of lives. I said:

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

A query about suggested languages cooperation has come to the Celtic League from South Africa and the Afrikaans language society at Stellenbosch University.

The approach from Frederik R. van Dyk, the bodies Executive Director, is set out below:

"I write to you as a representative of an Afrikaans language society, Adam Tas Students' Society, from Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape of the Republic of South Africa.

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

Our focus on Sophia Morrison last year and the recent wreath laying as part of Mec Vannin’s commemorations of significant figures in Manx political and cultural life encouraged Cristl Jerry of Mec Vannin to undertake some research on the collectors of Manx folk life material (links):

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

When the Queen of England paid a State visit to Ireland five years ago great emphasis was placed on the fact that the two States indeed all the British Isles people are ‘more than neighbours’

Here’s a snatch of what she said:

"Together we have much to celebrate: the ties between our people, the shared values, and the economic, business and cultural links that make us so much more than neighbours, that make us firm friends and equal partners.”

Australia Day is celebrated on January 26 each year. The public holiday of Australia Day always occurs on January 26 no matter what day of the week it occurs. Australians consider January 26 with national pride, flying the Australian flag from businesses, homes, cars and gatherings. They attend festivals, fireworks, community and sporting events or gather for family barbecues at homes, parks or on the beach.

Media Release from Culture Vannin:

AN EXCEPTIONAL DECISION FOR TWO EXCEPTIONAL CULTURAL CHAMPIONS THIS YEAR’S RBV AWARDED POSTHUMOUSLY TO BERNARD CAINE AND JOHN KENNAUGH

Cultural champions of the highest order, Bernard Caine and John Kennaugh, have been honoured posthumously with the Reih Bleeaney Vanannan - Manannan's Choice of the Year - cultural award for 2016.

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

Several items of Irish sport, music and folklore are to be considered for special UNESCO recognition and protection. Hurling, the Uilleann Pipes and the Irish folklore collection will be under scrutiny by the United Nations body.

The issue will be considered and a decision taken next year.

It is imperative that both the Celtic League and Celtic Congress press for a wider recognition of unique examples of wider Celtic culture and sport across all the Celtic countries.

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

Allen Moore is the International Relations Officer for Mec Vannin and Environmental Officer for Celtic League Mannin.

In the article below he delivers an acerbic view of Mann’s new ‘trading partner of choice’ China following information he gleaned from contacts made after a recent visit to Australia.

His article about the conditions for fisherman matches the reports we have carried previously from Ian Urbina’s series of articles (The Outlaw Ocean) published by the New York Times.