Nóra agus Nóra

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Irish Feature Films Selected For Toronto International Film Festival

Irish Feature Films Selected For Toronto International Film Festival (August 27, 2007)
from http://www.4rfv.co.uk/industrynews.asp?id=65026
"Two feature films which received funding from Northern Ireland Screen have been selected for the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival which runs from 6-15 September 2007."

Is an iomarca leanna 'mháin, leann amháin iomarca.

Wes's Words

adhall n m1
- reproductive heat

as in...
Ní ligim mo chat baineann amach den teach san oíche nuair a mbíonn sí faoin t-adhall, mar an uallfairt uafásach a bheadh ann.

I don't let my tabby out during the night when she's in heat, because of all the horrible caterwauling.

OK. Stop right there! I see what you're thinking, folks. "Caterwaul" looks like it comes from "cat ar bhalla", which is logically the place in all the cartoons where cats do their caterwauling, but the word actually comes from the Middle English word caterwawen, of the same general meaning. Remember to keep your fantasetymologies on a leash!

Your Irish phrase, an séú lá 'is fiche Mí Lúnasa

ar ndóigh -- "of course"

Kings of Kilburn take the Hollywood road

Kings of Kilburn take the Hollywood road (August 24, 2007)
from http://www.independent.ie/national-news/kings-of-kilburn-take-the-hollywood-road-1064522.html
"A mainly Irish language film version of award winning play 'The Kings of the Kilburn High Road' has won the chance of breaking into the lucrative American market."

Pint of the 'black stuff' to breach the final frontier

Nothing to do with the language but....
Pint of the 'black stuff' to breach the final frontier (August 26, 2007)
from http://www.independent.ie/national-news/pint-of-the-black-stuff-to-breach-the-final-frontier-1066313.html
"Irish travellers may soon be able to enjoy a pint of Guinness which is quite literally out of this world."

Celtic festival offers something for everyone

Davenport, Iowa:
Celtic festival offers something for everyone (August 25, 2007)
from http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=351727
"Other workshops included lessons on the Irish flute, hammered dulcimer, tin whistle, local Celtic heritage, Irish language and role-playing as an early 20th century immigrant to America."

All roads lead to all-Ireland fleadh

All roads lead to all-Ireland fleadh (August 23, 2007)
from http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/UH/free/314971237981235.php
"Fleadh Uladh may be over (until the next time - but not next year!) but for some members of Coalisland/Clonoe branch the fleadh season is not yet over with one final outing left this season."

Signs reach new heights of confusion

Signs reach new heights of confusion (August 23, 2007)
from http://www.wexfordpeople.ie/news/signs-reach-new-heights-of-confusion-1065568.html
"The name is different as gaeilge as well, with Baile de Cléir favoured over the previous Baile Uí Chléirigh."

Second Gaelscoil needed in Kilkenny says YFG

Second Gaelscoil needed in Kilkenny says YFG (August 23, 2007)
from http://www.kilkennyadvertiser.ie/index.php?aid=7176
"North Kilkenny Young Fine Gael are calling on the government and the powers that be in County Kilkenny to put more resources into the teaching of Irish and also to open a second Gaelscoil in the city to cater for the huge demand by parents who wish to have their children educated through Irish."

Irish — Unionists have nothing to fear

Irish — Unionists have nothing to fear (August 23, 2007)
from http://www.anphoblacht.com/news/detail/20361
"Unionists have nothing to fear from Irish language legislation. That was the message Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on language and culture, Francie Brolly wanted to convey when he spoke to An Phoblacht about recent controversy around a proposed Irish language bill in the North."

80,000 fans rocked to the Stones in Ireland

80,000 fans rocked to the Stones in Ireland (August 22, 2007)
from http://www.irishpost.co.uk/news/story.asp?j=6151&cat=entertainment
"'You still look as wonderful as you did 25 years ago,' he told the 80,000 packed crowd in a clearly-practiced tribute as Gaeilge."

Government assault on Irish language continues, says Ó Snodaigh

Government assault on Irish language continues - Ó Snodaigh (August 16, 2007)
from http://www.anphoblacht.com/news/detail/20288
"Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has criticised proposals from the Minister of State with responsibility for integration Conor Lenihan in which he has called for the removal of Irish language requirements for civil servants."

Irish-speaking school closure is backed by language fan Ruane

Irish-speaking school closure is backed by language fan Ruane (August 16, 2007)
from http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/education/article2866892.ece
"The Education Minister has denied a lack of demand was behind her decision to close an Irish-medium unit in a Co Tyrone school."

Paisley position on Irish language slammed

Paisley position on Irish language slammed (August 16, 2007)
from http://www.anphoblacht.com/news/detail/20280
"North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Caral Ní Chuilin has criticised Paisley’s views on Irish language legislation as being at odds with the new political arena."

Class info from the Irish Voice

Two items, published August 16th:
http://www.irishabroad.com/news/irish-voice/entertainment/theguide20070816.aspx
"Only a few places remain in CUNY’S online Irish language classes which begin the end on August. Sign up now. Classes being offered for fall 2007 include Elementary Irish 1, Elementary Irish 3, Intermediate Irish Grammar. Call 718-960-6722 or visit www.lehman.edu/cunyiias."
and
"The CUNY Institute for Irish American Studies will host Gaelic language classes for children every Saturday at the Irish Arts Center, 553 West 51st Street in Manhattan, from 11 a.m.-noon. Kids will learn words, phrases and songs in the Irish language. Cost is $10 for Arts Center members, $12 for non-members. Family rates available. Call 718-960-6722."

An Irish Fest translation and pronunciation guide

See, now, people in Milwaukee know what's important.
An Irish Fest translation and pronunciation guide (August 15, 2007)
from http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/festivals/articles/irishlanguage.html?12390
"You probably know about Irish jigs and have tasted a Guinness or two. You won't be surprised to hear traditional music or smell soda bread and scones. But, do you know what any of the Irish words used at Irish Fest mean?"

Paisley to block Irish Language Act

Paisley to block Irish Language Act (August 15, 2007)
from http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2007/0815/breaking1.htm
"The Democratic Unionist Party is to block any bid to have an Irish Language Act passed in the Northern Ireland Assembly, according to a letter signed by party leader the Rev Ian Paisley."

Ó Muirí: A bit of plane talking

Nice!
A bit of plane talking (August 13, 2007)
from http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/columnists/pol-o-muiri/article2859348.ece
"It is every unionist's nightmare - compulsory Irish at Belfast International Airport. We might not have an Irish Language Act but don't think that mis-pronouncing Aer Lingus as Air Lingus will get you that cheap ticket to the continent."

Irish Fair in the local news

...though neither tidbit mentions language...oh well.
Weekend fest to celebrate all things Irish
http://www.twincities.com//ci_6566037?IADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities.com
Irish dance of the heart -- and the hair
http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1356759.html (subscription may be required)

Dare accepted

The "dare" in the title is about something else, but...
Dare accepted (August 10, 2007)
from http://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2007/08/10/5642/dare_accepted
"Comedian Des Bishop also returns to Irish screens in the next season’s line-ups. During his six-part series, In The Name of the Fada, he will try to learn enough of the Irish language to perform his stand-up in Gaelic."

Wes's Words

plucamas n m1
- mumps
as in...
Bhí a h-aghaidh a ata as aithne nuair a bhí an plucamas uirthi.
Her face was swollen beyond recognition when she had the mumps.

My sincerest sympathies to those who use this word on a regular basis.

Stádas na Gaeilge san AE

Ever an uphill battle...

Stádas na Gaeilge san AE

Ceann Amháin

There's no word for what now?

With a grateful tip of the hat to my friend Brain for pointing this out!
http://itre.cis.upenn.edu/~myl/languagelog/archives/001979.html
[EDIT: Yes I mean "Brain!" It's a nickname. See for yourself at his blog! (PG rating, folks....)]

Your Irish phrase, an 8ú lá Mí Lúnasa

Compare/contrast:
.....ar aon chaoi -- "at any rate," "anyway," "anyhow"
.....mar sin féin -- "nevertheless," "even so"
"Ní raibh an bia ag an mbialann sin go maith."
"Bhí sé blásta, shíl mé."
"Bhuel, bhí sé ró-dhaor, ar aon chaoi."
"D'ól tú trí bhuidéal fíona!"
"Mar sin féin, ní bheidh mé ag dul ar ais."

Udaras board member calls for more Irish language promotion

Well, I'll post it, but hmm the typos:
Udaras board member calls for more Irish language promotion (August 8, 2007)
from http://www.highlandradio.com/news.php?articleid=000000793
"An Udaras na Gaeltachta board member says that more must be done to ensure companies backed by the board do more to promote the use of the Irish within their businesses."

Currach Championships coming to Enniskillen

Not really to do with an Ghaeilge, but I'm intrigued:
Currach Championships coming to Enniskillen (August 8, 2007)
from http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/FH/free/307472427232553.php
"New York was the unlikely location for the launch of this year's Irish International Currach Championships, which are to be held in Enniskillen for the first time next weekend."

Mind our language

Mind our language (August 8, 2007)
from http://www.dublinpeople.com/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2909&Itemid=49
"However, Minister for Education, Mary Hanafin’s, plans to introduce teaching through English at Gaelscoils has caused much consternation from parents who want their children to learn through Irish."

Europe's largest festival kicks off

One of Europe's largest community festivals has an Irish name?
Europe's largest festival kicks off (August 6, 2007)
from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6932959.stm
"Major international acts are taking part in Feile an Phobail, which runs until 12 August."

Dismay in gaelscoileanna at ministerial decision on English

Dismay in gaelscoileanna at ministerial decision on English (August 7, 2007)
from http://www.mayonews.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2134&Itemid=38
"A recent announcement by Education Minister Mary Hanafin that gaelscoileanna will be compelled to formally teach English has been met with dismay by people in Mayo who are involved in educating through Irish."

Luck o' the Irish: Fanning retires as head of Irish Studies

Luck o' the Irish: Fanning retires as head of Irish Studies (August 7, 2007)
from http://www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2007/08/07/local/21088776.txt
"An Irish language instructor will be coming to Carbondale in the fall, he said, which will be a tremendous boost for the program. Fanning would like to see an Irish historian round out the group."

TG4 warm to the Píosa Dearg

TG4 warm to the Píosa Dearg (August 7, 2007)
from http://www.sligoweekender.ie/news/story.asp?j=33377&cat=sport
"TG4, the national broadcaster with a twist (OK, this twist happens to be Ireland’s native tongue), is falling in love with Na Ruagairi Shligigh (Sligo Rovers)."

Pupil's father battles the 'Gaeilge Taliban'

Following up from an earlier story:
Pupil's father battles the 'Gaeilge Taliban' (August 6, 2007)
from http://www.independent.ie/national-news/pupils-father-battles-the-gaeilge-taliban-1052519.html
"The father of a young Russian pupil fighting to have her taught in English at her school in the Gaeltacht, has started a case with the Equality Tribunal."

Quinn gets the business buzz

Quinn gets the business buzz (Aug 5, 2007)
from http://www.sbpost.ie/post/pages/p/story.aspx-qqqt=NEWS+FEATURES-qqqs=news-qqqid=25653-qqqx=1.asp
"Peter Quinn is expanding his business interests and, as the new chairman, he is also trying to plot a course ahead for TG4."

'No promises' over Irish language

Okay, back to the news. Sorry for the silence, there.
'No promises' over Irish language (July 26, 2007)
from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/6917521.stm
"The meeting however was memorable for the fact that the DUP minister, in his post-meeting news conference, actually spoke in Irish."
Well, kind of.

Etymology frustration

Can somebody tell me what Daniel Cassidy's credentials are?! I and the medical professionals monitoring my blood pressure will thank you.