Emmett McIntyre's blog

News from the Welsh Language Society

In a what may well be a turning point in the fight to restore the Celtic Tongue of Ireland to its rightful place, a coalition of  over 70 Irish Language and Gaeltacht  organisations have put forward an “All Ireland Investment Plan” targeting the creation of approximately 1,200 jobs primarily benefitting Gaelic speakers.  The Plan’s major backers are Conradh na Gaeilge (Gaelic league), the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) and Foras na Gaeilge (established under the Good Friday Agreement for the promotion of the Irish Language).

The Gaelic League (Conradh na Gaeilge) is the main voluntary community organisation that promotes the Irish language in Ireland and abroad. The League’s primary objective is the reinstatement of the Irish language as the common tongue of Ireland.  Since its founding in 1893, members have been actively promoting Irish in every aspect of life in Ireland, from legal and educational affairs to the development of media and services through Irish.  Members of the Gaelic League are in the forefront of campaigns to strengthen the rights of the Irish speaking community.

The government’s investment in Welsh medium instruction at the University level is yielding dividends. Taken together, recent developments at Welsh Universities show acceleration in the status and reach of the Celtic tongue at institutions of Higher Learning in Wales.

The modern era of Gaelic Medium Education in Scotland’s primary schools took off in the 1980s. Since that time the number of children attending Gaelic Medium schools has been growing.

In the 19th century Saratoga Springs was founded as a noted spa town graced with elegant hotels, gaming facilities and the Saratoga Race Course. This weekend the Saratoga Fairgrounds in nearby Ballstson Spa is host to the 19th Annual Irish 2000 Music and Arts festival.

The Caledonian Club of San Francisco's Scottish Highland Gathering and Games have taken place every year since 1866.

Touting itself as the largest free Irish Fair in the States, this weekend the Irish fair of Minnesota takes off with a wide array of entertainment and educational activities. This year’s line-up of entertainment includes the Wild Colonial Bhoys, Finbar Fury, Tim Malloys, Sweet Colleens, Dubliner Katie MccMahon, Cherish the Ladies and Socks in the frying Plan from County Clare. 

The modern era of Gaelic Medium Education in Scotland’s primary schools took off in the 1980s. Since that time the number of children attending Gaelic Medium schools has been growing and this week the announcement was made that the fourth Gaelic Medium primary school will open in Portree on the Isle of Skye.

Do justice to Irish, give it a chance

On it’s own native soil, as the French has in France;

No honey so sweet as it drops from the leaf

Or so thrilling a sound for the Bard and the Chief.

The gift of our fathers from sire to son

Despite the proud Saxon, his steel and his gun.

Erin’s Saint Patrick through it spread the good news,

Securing salvation to men if they choose.

Proud Brian in Gaelic charged his good men,

And smote the barbarian on Cluan Tairb fen.

Ireland shall weep if this tongue you don’t cherish