News through an 29ú lá Mí Dheireadh Fómhair

McAleese to open celebration of Irish culture as festival hits Cork (Oct 28, 2008)
http://www.examiner.ie/irishexaminer/pages/story.aspx-qqqg=ireland-qqqm=ireland-qqqa=ireland-qqqid=75862-qqqx=1.asp
“Mary McAleese will tomorrow open the country’s biggest Irish language and cultural festival.
“Up to 10,000 people have arrived in Cork for Oireachtas na Gaeilge events with highlights including a special show by comedian Des Bishop, and the Steip sean-nós dancing finals which will be broadcast live on TG4 from the Opera House.”

Dental staff shortages present challenges in Galway (Oct 28, 2008)
http://www.irishmedicalnews.ie/index.php/component/content/article/1-news/308-dental-staff-shortages-present-challenges-in-galway
“‘We are engaged in a recruitment process to appoint a dental surgeon with Irish language skills. The principal dental surgeon post is due to be advertised,’ the spokesperson said.”

Why I refuse to be stubbed out (Oct 29, 2008)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2008/1029/1225197268683.html
One reference:
“I think the best way to make something popular and even fashionable in this country is to ban it. I have a theory that the Irish language could be revived in less than a year if it were forbidden and people fined heavily for using it.”

Ban on Irish in North's courts tested (Oct 29, 2008)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/1029/1225197273321.html
“A ban on the use of the Irish language in courts in the North which stretches back to 1737 was put to the test yesterday.
“In the High Court in Belfast Mr Justice Treacy was asked to hold that the centuries-old ban should be quashed as it was in conflict with the Human Rights Act and European treaties.”

Education cuts mean 'average family must find €2,000' (Oct 29, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/budget-2009/news/education-cuts-mean-average-family-must-find-83642000-1511930.html
...“Meanwhile, Conradh na Gaeilge has warned that course fees for summer college in Gaeltacht areas will increase as a result of the decision to axe a teaching grant to the colleges.”

SUMMER SCHOOL CUTBACKS THREATEN GALWAY GAELTACHT ECONOMY (Oct 29, 2008)
http://www.galwaynews.ie/5436-summer-school-cutbacks-threaten-galway-gaeltacht-economy
“Many of Galway's Irish Language summer schools are under threat of a student fee increase or possible closure.
“That's according to Conradh na Gaelige, which is calling on the Government to reverse its decision to cut a teaching grant given to these schools.”

Gaeltacht = digital entertainment

The West is awake to Gaeltacht areas becoming digital entertainment hubs (Oct 23, 2008)
http://www.siliconrepublic.com/news/article/11649/comms/the-west-is-awake-to-gaeltacht-areas-becoming-digital-entertainment-hubs
“The next time your daughter sings along to Sesame Street, wants to turn on Dora the Explorer or watches Tutenstein on Discovery Kids, just remember that a company in the Connemara Gaeltacht played a key role in developing these products.”

Oireachtas na Samhna

...ag tosú an tseachtain seo!
http://www.antoireachtas.ie/
"Beidh os cionn deich mile duine ag tabhairt faoin oilithireacht bhliantiúil go Corcaigh faoi Shamhain le sult a bhaint as Oireachtas na Samhna a bheas ar siúl idir an 27 Deireadh Fómhair agus an 2 Samhain 2008."

News through an 27ú lá Mí Dheireadh Fómhair

Irish in Brussels look 'shrunken' by No vote (Oct 24, 2008)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/1024/1224715116373.html
“Irish civil servants working in Brussels felt ‘beaten down and kicked’ by the outcome of the Lisbon Treaty referendum, RTÉ's Europe editor Seán Whelan has told an Oireachtas committee.”
...“He also said the elevation of the Irish language as an official language was tangible evidence of the goodwill that was once there, especially during Ireland's successful presidency of the EU in 2004.”

Youngsters turn their backs on Irish culture (Oct 24, 2008)
http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/Youngsters-turn-their-backs-on.4627835.jp
“Traditional Irish culture in Calderdale is dying out, according to leading community figures.
“Third and fourth generation youngsters are turning their backs on pastimes such as gaelic sports and dancing and community celebrations like St Patrick's Day.”
...“Classes in Irish language and history have fallen in popularity, while celtic sports shown on the centre's big screens are losing out to Premiership football.”

The matriarchs of Montrose (Oct 25, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/the-matriarchs-of-montrose-1510015.html
...“Whether your star is in the ascent or descent is as much a result of luck, who is championing who, the dealings of showbiz agents and unofficial 'trends', as it is based on talent.”
...“She joined RTÉ2 (then Network2) when the station was on the hunt for a panel of 'young gaelgeoirs' to sex up the Irish language content.”

Sinn Fein's behaviour immoral – Robinson (Oct 25, 2008)
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Sinn-Feins-behaviour-immoral-.4629341.jp
“The First Minister has branded Sinn Fein ‘immoral’ for frustrating the business of government while Ulster struggles to pay household bills.
...“And he challenged republicans on whether cash-strapped Ulster was really pre-occupied with the Irish Language Act and devolution of policing – or whether pensioners and families were more worried about paying mortgages and rising utility and food costs.”

Film reconstructs Granuaile's life (Oct 26, 2008)
down the page at http://www.independent.ie/national-news/major-search-for-four-passengers-on-light-aircraft-feared-lost-in-wicklow-1510476.html
Entire text is:
“An independent production company headed up by Co Offaly man Michael Mann, has reconstructed the real life story of Granuaile. Ar Thoir Granuaile is the first Irish language film to bring to life the true story of the woman known as 'The Pirate Queen'. The new documentary will be screened on TG4 on Wednesday at 9:30pm.”

An Irishwoman's Diary (Oct 27, 2008)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2008/1027/1224838873956.html
“Singers, musicians, dancers and storytellers are converging on the Cork city suburb of Douglas for the 111th Oireachtas festival, which begins today. The various Gaelic dialects - from Donegal, Galway and Mayo, Kerry, Ring in Co Waterford and Rath Chairn in Co Meath - will mingle harmoniously at the newly-refurbished Rochestown Park Hotel, the main venue for the various events.”

Force Behind Gaels' Tv

(Oct 21, 2008)
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/entertainment-catch-all/2008/10/21/force-behind-gaels-tv-86908-20824190/
“Fewer women are being appointed to top jobs, according to recent reports, so it comes as a surprise to find a female is heading the new Gaelic TV channel.”

News through an 23ú lá Mí Dheireadh Fómhair

An article in Time Magazine! See below:

Adams says Language Act is key to power-sharing (Oct 21, 2008)
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/ireland/politics/adams-says-language-act-is-key-to-powersharing-14009092.html
“Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has said the DUP's attitude to a proposed Irish Language Act will determine whether the current system of power-sharing can work in the North.”

Seventh Clones Film Festival rolls this weekend (Oct 21, 2008)
http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/fh/free/308841962256146.php
...“Also included is a collection of shorts entitled 'Nead an Dreolín' (The Wren's Nest) which are the poems of six Irish language poets set to film.”

IFB Announce ‘Virtual Cinema’ Short Film Scheme (Oct 22, 2008)
http://www.iftn.ie/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4281614&tpl=archnews
“The Irish Film Board has announced the new deadline of their short film scheme Virtual Cinema. Applications will be accepted until Friday, November 21st.
...“Films may be made in Irish or English with Irish language applications actively encouraged.”

Ireland's Language Dilemma (Oct 23, 2008)
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1853128,00.html
..."But the rise of the old tongue has some worried about a potentially new conflict: that the increasing number of gaelscoileanna will pit Ireland's constitutional vow to preserve its 'native' language against the obligation as a modern country to integrate its increasing immigrant population."

Not-about-Gaeilge news for today

Blasket development might be facing challenge in court (Oct 22, 2008)
http://www.kerryman.ie/news/blasket-development-might-be-facing-challenge-in-court-1506379.html
“Following An Bord Pleanála's decision to grant permission for a commercial development on the Great Blasket has been welcomed by those who support the project. However, those who opposed the development are considering further action which may involve taking a case to the High Court or European Court.”

News through an 20ú lá Mí Dheireadh Fómhair

I think I'm just about caught up....
How Irish can be a language we all share (Oct 15, 2008)
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/columnists/lindy-mcdowell/how-irish-can-be-a-language-we-all-share-14002471.html
“Reports of a weekend march through Belfast demanding the introduction of an Irish language act put the number of demonstrators at anything from a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand.”

Oh Cyndi, dear, you know you're still No.1 (Oct 15, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/oh-cyndi-dear-you-know-youre-still-no1-1498865.html
“Cyndi Lauper has the strongest 'Noo Yawk' accent I've ever heard, so it was probably not the best idea to volunteer to teach her some Irish during the course of a transatlantic phone call that had a five-second delay due to being relayed through a London agency.”

MEP backs All-Ireland language initiative (Oct 16, 2008)
http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/3089
“Dear Editor,
“I fully back an independent report which has recently been prepared for the Ministry of Education in Northern Ireland which calls for all Ireland co-operation in the teaching of Irish and the putting in place of closer ties between Gaelic speaking schools in Ireland and in Scotland.”

Irish school proposal suffers major blow (Oct 16, 2008)
http://www.dublinpeople.com/content/view/1143/57/
“Dublin 15 parents are furious over a devastating setback which could end their dream of a local Gaelscoil after 12 months of planning.”

Huge support for Acht na Gaeilge at Belfast march (Oct 16, 2008)
http://www.anphoblacht.com/news/detail/35745
“Organisers of the Acht na Gaeilge demonstration held in Belfast on Saturday 11 October welcomed the huge turnout of people from across the country who made the march a vibrant and colourful event.”

Westmeath: Gaelscoil moves into new school (Oct 16, 2008)
http://www.emigrant.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=66494&Itemid=23
The whole item:
“The two infant classes were taken by bus but the rest of the pupils of Scoil na gCeithre Maistri walked from their old school premises in Our Lady's Hermitage to their brand new school in Lissywollen. Principal Laobhaoise Nic Aogain cut the ribbon, with the help of one of the youngest pupils, and the two hundred and thirty two children rushed in to inspect the sixteen-classroom building which is close to the Athlone football stadium. The school was founded eight years ago when it opened with just forty pupils; it now has nine teachers and four learning support teachers.”

The cheers (Oct 17, 20008)
http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/the-cheers-1501855.html
Just a quick mention of TG4, not much more than:
“At the time, TG4 (which Kevin Myers memorably dubbed ‘Telefis De Lorean’ back when it was still called Telefis na Gaeilge) was surprising its early detractors by producing a range of original, offbeat programmes that appealed to a broader audience than hardcore Gaeilgeoirs.”

TG4 Celebratory Book Launch (Oct 17, 2008)
http://www.iftn.ie/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4281603&tpl=archnews
“The bilingual book ‘TG4@10: Deich mBliana de TG4' (Ten Years of TG4), celebrating the first ten years of the Irish language television station TG4 will be launched Friday, 17 October at NUI Galway.”
See also:
‘Ten years of TG4’ – Eithne O’Connell co-edits new book

Meeting Irish invaders on their home turf (Oct 18, 2008)
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/518896
Just the one item, I think:
“‘We gave up our language, and that created a kind of scission that has never healed,’ he says early one recent Sunday morning over a glass of water. ‘But it has produced an extraordinarily rich and pliant literary tool in what we call Hiberno-English. People think it's English, but it's not. My theory is that the Irish language is a very oblique language; it's a means of evasion rather than communication. So it's a very poetic language. We're a very basic people. We don't like to say things directly, we don't like telling the truth.’”

Sinn Fein 'must drop its self-serving agenda' (Oct 18, 2008)
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/politics/Sinn-Fein-39must-dro-pits.4605749.jp
“‘An Irish Language Act won't make anyone's life better – it won't put food on the table: it won't help with the utilities bills.’”

Be ready to fight the forces of reaction (Oct 19, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/be-ready-to-fight-the-forces-of-reaction-1503208.html
“Finally, let me add that a government that claims to want to restore the rightful place of the Irish language in our nation should have published hard copies of the Budget in Irish as well as in English.
“Because of the Government's craven cowardice in failing to cut back on massive spending waste elsewhere, those who are fluent in their own language have once again been insulted and treated as second-class citizens.
“Irish is an official language of the State. Those who made this decision have betrayed the Irish nation. Come the revolution, they must be dealt with.”

Harsh lesson in budget cutbacks (Oct 19, 2008)
http://www.sbpost.ie/post/pages/p/story.aspx-qqqt=NEWS+FEATURES-qqqm=nav-qqqid=36836-qqqx=1.asp
“Despite much talk that education would be sheltered from the brunt of the cuts, the detail of the budget actually shows that, as well as raising class sizes, it is scrapping various grants, mainly affecting the most disadvantaged, cutting teacher numbers and slashing funding.”
...“- grant for foreign-qualified teachers attending Irish courses in the Gaeltacht to be abolished – total savings of €200,000.”

Cork Film Fest Announces Short Winners (Oct 20, 2008)
http://www.iftn.ie/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4281606&tpl=archnews
...“‘An Foireann Codladh,’ directed by Danann Breathnach, collected the Gradam Gael Linn for Best Short Film in the Irish Language.”

‘Seacht’ To Broadcast On NI BBC 2 (Oct 20, 2008)
http://www.iftn.ie/distribution/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4281610&tpl=archnews&force=1
“Having broadcast on TG4 earlier this year ‘Seacht’, the eight part Irish language fictional drama series, co-produced between Stirling Film and Television Productions Tyrone Productions, and EO Teilifís, is to be broadcast from tonight (October 20) on BBC Two NI at 10pm.”

Language Act key to Assembly future – Adams (Oct 20, 2008)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/1020/breaking75.htm
“How the DUP handles plans for an Irish Language Act will indicate whether powersharing in Northern Ireland will work or is doomed to failure, Gerry Adams said tonight.”

Green light for visitors' centre on Blasket Island

Not about Irish, but...
(Oct 17, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/green-light-for-visitors-centre-on-blasket-island-1501401.html
“A controversial cafe and visitors' centre on the Great Blasket Island has been given the go-ahead by An Bord Plealana.”

News through an 14ú lá Mí Dheireadh Fómhair

Catching up somewhat....

Letters: Correct pronunciation (Oct 9, 2008)
http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/storage/paper660/news/2008/10/09/Viewpoint/Correct.Pronunciation-3477748.shtml
“As an enthusiastic Irish fan and a member of the Band of the Fighting Irish, I love playing and hearing the Victory Clog, ‘Damhsa Bua,’ at Concert on the Steps.”

Longford: Irish language group formed in Longford (Oct 9, 2008)
http://www.emigrant.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=66257&Itemid=23
Just this item:
“The first meeting of Longfort Le Chéile, Oiche Shóisialta, took place in Keogh's Bar last week. Secretary of the new group is Yvonne Ní Mhurchú while chairperson is Thomas O Maonaigh, who said it was local interest in the language that had prompted the formation of the group. One of its aims is to widen the use of Irish from the purely educational milieu to public use. At present Irish classes are held in the libraries in both Longford and Granard and it is also planned to revive the conversation group, Ciuorcal Comhrá, which meets in the Longford Arms.”

COWEN SHOWS STRONG SUPPORT FOR THE IRISH LANGUAGE (Oct 10, 2008)
http://xornalgalicia.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=37037
“A delegation from Conradh na Gaeilge met with the Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Minister Éamon Ó Cuív in Leinster House on Wednesday, 08 October 2008, to discuss the promotion of the Irish language with particular regard to the Government’s 20 Year Irish Language Strategy.”

Irish 'should be made official' (Oct 11, 2008)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7665343.stm
“A rally in Belfast city centre has called for official status to be given to the Irish language.”

Unionists 'don't want a Catholic about the place' - Adams (Oct 11, 2008)
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Unionists-dont-want-a-Catholic.4579991.jp
...“The strongly-worded tirade by the Sinn Fein president also accused members of the DUP of using ‘abusive’ language in opposition to nationalist demands for promotion of the Irish language.”

Irish schools 'should link up' (Oct 11, 2008)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7665180.stm
“Irish language primary schools should "urgently consider" linking up in federations, to ensure their long-term viability, a report has recommended.”

Opinion: Sweetening bitter Budget pill will not help economy (Oct 11, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/sweetening-bitter-budget-pill-will-not-help-economy-1496118.html
...“Five -- abolish the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, and abolish Udaras na Gaeltachta, a quango posing as some sort of democratic institution.”

Stormont stand-off could 'go on to 2009' (Oct 11, 2008)
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/stormont-standoff-could-go-on-to-2009-14000084.html
...“Sinn Fein has refused to agree an agenda for future executive meetings as it said that although the DUP will talk endlessly about anything, it won't reach negotiated agreements on the devolution of policing, an Irish language act or the future of education.”

irishtimes.com on top at web awards (Oct 12, 2008)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/1012/breaking39.htm
...“Kanchi.org, formerly the Aisling Foundation charity, won the most accessible website while Focal.ie won for best Irish Language Website.”

The Growth of the Gaelscoil in Modern Ireland (Oct 12, 2008)
http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/ireland/the-growth-of-the-gaelscoil-in-modern-ireland-5544.html
“While the Irish and world economies worry about what the future holds, the Irish language on the other hand is experiencing some what of a renaissance.”

Purvis: confidence needed (Oct 13, 2008)
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/politics/Purvis-confidence-needed.4584527.jp
“Unionists have nothing to fear from the devolution of policing and justice or the creation of a law protecting the Irish language, Dawn Purvis has confidently declared.”

ILBF Irish Language Audience Research Results (Oct 13, 2008)
http://www.iftn.ie/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4281584&tpl=archnews
“The third Irish Language Broadcast Fund qualitative audience research report, carried recently by Millward Brown Ulster in Northern Ireland, has revealed a it’s results including the significant rise in the number of viewers who feel that Irish language programmes encourage their interest in the language.”

Irish language education review out for consultation (Oct 13, 2008)
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/education/irish-language-education-review-out-for-consultation-14000395.html
“Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has begun consultation on a review of Irish-medium education.”

Challenge of translation to be focus of Douglas Hyde Conference (Oct 14, 2008)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/1014/1223921130705.html
“The art of translating poems and prose from Irish will be discussed at the the 21st annual Douglas Hyde Conference, which takes place at the Abbeyfield Hotel in Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, next weekend.”

Award for 'focal.ie' site (Oct 14, 2008)
http://www.dcu.ie/news/2008/oct/s1008i.shtml
“www.focal.ie has been voted the best Irish language website at the inaugural Irish Web Awards.”

Letters: Cooperation vital for growth of Irish (Oct 14, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/letters/cooperation-vital-for-growth-of-irish-1498044.html
“I fully back an independent report which has recently been prepared for the ministry of education in Northern Ireland which calls for all-Ireland co-operation in the teaching of Irish and the putting in place of closer ties between Gaelic speaking schools in Ireland and in Scotland.”

Recording at Molly's Bar (Oct 14, 2008)
http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/fh/free/305596414683912.php
“Blas Ceoil, the multiplatform Irish language series is back and this time is coming to Molly's Bar, Irvinestown.”

Win £2,000 for your nursery (Oct 14, 2008)
http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/fh/free/305596401134079.php
“Banks are collapsing and credit crunching is prevalent but the Irish medium schools in Ulster are swimming against the tide.”

Preview of The Cooish: Celebration of Manx language, music and identity

(Oct 13, 2008)
http://www.iomtoday.co.im/what-where-when/Preview-of-The-Cooish-Celebration.4585338.jp
“The Cooish Manx and Inter-Gaelic Festival next month will see great musicians from the Island and beyond in action.
“The festival, a celebration of Manx language, music and identity, is organised by Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh (the Manx Language Society) and has support from the Manx Heritage Foundation, the Isle of Man Arts Council and local businesses.”

News through an 9ú lá Mí Dheireadh Fómhair

This will be the last post from me for a little while -- see you in about a week!

In the Name of the Fada: How Irish-American comedian Des Bishop is conquering Ireland and the language
http://irishabroad.com/irishworld/irishamericamag/augsept08/features/des-bishop-augsept08.asp
...“I spoke to Des while he was touring Ireland with his stand-up show. We started our interview in Irish. Read on and be impressed by his fluency and passion.”

220 jobs for Wicklow and Donegal (Oct 7, 2008)
http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1007/jobs.html
...“RAP, which designs and manufactures environmentally responsible packaging, is investing €3.3m in its Gaeltacht plant and will increase employment in the operation from 54 to 124 over the next three years.”

Shortlist for Glen Dimplex writers award announced (Oct 8, 2008)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/1008/1223335466268.html
...“The awards, now in their third year and organised in association with the Irish Writers' Centre, have five different categories: fiction, poetry, children's book, biography/non-fiction and books from any genre written in Irish.”

GALWAY PUBLIC URGED TO VOICE OPINIONS ON IRISH LANGUAGE (Oct 8, 2008)
http://www.galwaynews.ie/5229-galway-public-urged-voice-opinions-irish-language
“A public meeting is going to be held in the city tonight to give people the opportunity to contribute to the 20 Year Irish Language Strategy.”

Derrylin gets ready for Richie (Oct 8, 2008)
http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/fh/free/302419694861097.php
...“Richie is certainly no stranger to the Irish people and even those from overseas. Perhaps he is best known for his hit single 'Aon Focal Eile' a song about learning the Irish language in school, but laced with double meaning.”

Irish language classes underway in Cookstown (Oct 9, 2008)
http://www.midulstermail.co.uk/news/Irish-language-classes-underway-in.4571359.jp
...“There are now five Irish Language classes offered and they have been cultivated through Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council and Cookstown District Council’s Irish Development programme.”

Comedian Bishop to top Féile an Fhómhair bill (Oct 9, 2008)
http://www.advertiser.ie/kilkenny/article/2556
“A host of tantalising performers have been lined up to entertain Carlow audiences this month as part of the annual bi-lingual festival Féile an Fhómhair.”

Bilingual treat for children at Féile (Oct 9, 2009)
http://www.advertiser.ie/kilkenny/article/2566
“There is a fantastic treat in store for children aged five to 10 years old at at Féile an Fhómhair in Carlow this week.
“Branar Educational Drama Productions from Galway will present ‘AILBI Agus A Cairde’ in The Carlow Town Hurling Club on Saturday October 11. There will be two showings of the event at 1pm and at 3pm.”

New high speed broadband for Gaeltacht (Oct 9, 2008)
http://www.techcentral.ie/article.aspx?id=12657
“A new high speed telecommunications network, which will result in high speed broadband services, is being brought to the Galway Gaeltacht as a result of a joint initiative undertaken by NUI Galway, HEAnet and Údarás na Gaeltachta.”

‘Locals only’ housing rule may be on way out (Oct 9, 2008)
http://www.examiner.ie/irishexaminer/pages/story.aspx-qqqg=ireland-qqqm=ireland-qqqa=ireland-qqqid=74390-qqqx=1.asp
“Planning restrictions on house building by non-locals in rural areas may be lifted.”
...“The commission also raised questions over rules in two counties that insist applicants must speak Irish to secure planning.
“In response, the department has told county managers that ‘policies and practices in relation to promotion and preservation of the Irish language in designated Gaeltacht areas are considered justified and proportionate, and continue to apply as outlined in the 2005 Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines’.”

Comedian Des Bishop brings 'Tongues' to Birr (Oct 9, 2008)
http://www.offalyexpress.ie/stage-left/Comedian-Des-Bishop-brings-Tongues.4571772.jp
“Following a sell out tour in Edinburgh and Australia, Des Bishop is returning to the Birr Theatre & Arts Centre next Thursday, October 16 for one last performance of his latest stand up show Tongues.”

101 good ideas from Des [Kenny] (Oct 9, 2008)
http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/2589
...“Kenny’s Choice is Des’ personal selection of Irish fiction, poetry, and history books he feels are too important not to read, have been overlooked or neglected, or are worth rediscovering. For this Des drew on his love of books as well as his knowledge as a leading Irish bookseller.”
...“The book features 101 reviews - some written as Gaeilge - with author information. Each review is only two pages in length and written in an accessible manner, yet still manages to yield a wealth of information - always the mark of a good critic.”

New Geographic Post Code System for Ireland

Not about the Irish language, but interesting re: technology and Irish culture....
PON Codes – a New Geographic Post Code System for Ireland (Oct 9, 2008)
http://www.directionsmag.com/article.php?article_id=2897&trv=1
“In early 2010, the Irish postal market will be opened to competition (until now, only the government's ‘An Post’ could deliver ordinary mail), and from that point forward the non-unique addressing system used in Ireland for hundreds of years will no longer be practical for delivering mail.”

News to an 6ú lá Mí Dheireadh Fómhair

Latest on Irish Shorts (Oct 2, 2008)
http://www.iftn.ie/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4281554&tpl=archnews
...“The Filmbase / TG4 Lasair short ‘Finscéal Pháidí’ (Páidí's Tale) has also just completed post-production at Screenscene. Written and directed by Colm Bairéad and produced by Greg Corcoran for Fingers Crossed Films, this is the team behind the multi award-winning short film ‘Mac an Athar’. The action centers on 9 year-old Páidí (Darragh Corcoran) who discovers his stepfather-to-be is the evil creature from Ireland's most famous myth and sets out to sets out to follow in the footsteps of the ancient Irish warriors to save his family.”

A time and a place name for everything (Oct 3, 2008)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2008/1003/1222959300568.html
“Despite only launching officially on Wednesday, www.Logainm.ie, an online database of close to 100,000 Irish place names, logged 260,000 page views and 30,000 searches in September, without advance publicity.”

Lynch slates GAA Irish policy (Oct 5, 2008)
http://www.setantasports.com/en/Sport/News/Other-sports/2008/10/05/GAA-Danny-Lynch-Quotes/?facets/sport-space/great-britain-locale/gaa/
“Outgoing GAA PRO Danny Lynch has slammed the organisation's Irish language policy, describing it as a ‘crazy situation.’
...“‘There's a crazy situation with names having to be signed in Irish. I love the Irish language - I speak it. I come from a quasi-Irish area but can you imagine putting a Polish guy's name down in Irish?’ he is quoted as saying in the Irish Daily Mail.”

Department posts rise in 'Irish' spend (Oct 6, 2008)
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Department-posts-rise-in-Irish.4560443.jp
“Expenditure on Irish language translation within the Department of Education has increased by 163 per cent in the last year, despite the minister cutting funds to frontline services.”

UNBÉARLABLY FUNNY! (Oct 6, 2008)
http://www.dublinks.com/index.cfm/loc/15/pt/0/spid/D1F2D449-CDDB-78DE-7F0BB434E070B1C6.htm
“Irrepressible Irish-language fanatic Des Bishop hits Vicar Street this November, with a brand new show. TICKETS ON SALE NOW!”

Eisteddfod: Language rebel wins learner title

Sorry, meant to post this MUCH sooner....
Eisteddfod: Language rebel wins learner title (August 8, 2008)
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/08/08/eisteddfod-language-rebel-wins-learner-title-91466-21491870/
“This year’s Welsh Learner of the Year at the Eisteddfod refused to attend Welsh lessons in school, having rebelled against the language.”
See also:
Prize awards Welsh language leap

News to an 2a lá Mí Dheireadh Fómhair

Kerryman Pádraig Mac Fheargusa wins Conradh na Gaeilge presidency (Sept 28, 2008)
http://xornalgalicia.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=36411
“Pádraig Mac Fhearghusa of Conradh na Gaeilge’s Tralee branch has won the 2008 – 2009 Presidency at the organisation’s Ard-Fheis in the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry today, 27 September 2008. He beat rival candidate Tomás Mac Ruairí from the Bréanainn branch.”

Irish is child's play (Sept 29, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/parenting/irish-is-childs-play-1484861.html
“Twenty years ago, the Irish language was not cool. If a student left secondary school with any more than a cupla focail, they were doing well. Unless they needed Irish for a career in politics, with the Gardaí, or perhaps teaching, many people did not see the point in learning a language that was used only sporadically.
“Fast forward to today and much has changed. Irish has slowly become trendy.”

Enrolled and ready to learn (Sept 29, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/health/enrolled-and-ready-to-learn-1484909.html
“Siobhan and Brendan Casey have enrolled their daughter, Hannah (four, with her dad, right) in a naíonra.
“For Irish parents, this might seem like a lot to take on, as parents need to learn some of the language along with their child, but for Siobhan, who is American and lived in New York until eight years ago, this is a much bigger challenge.”

Income tax to escape 'Budget bloodbath' (Sept 29, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/budget-2009/news/income-tax-to-escape-budget-bloodbath-1484931.html
...“There will be a radical culling of state agencies and quangos, with the National Consumer Agency and the multitude of Irish language agencies receiving grants from Foras na Gaeilge believed to be facing the axe.”

The comedian with the gift of two gabs (Sept 29, 2008)
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/leisure/tatheatre/theatrefeatures/3710322.The_comedian_with_the_gift_of_two_gabs/
Not much more than this tidbit:
...“He studied maths and theoretical physics at University College, Dublin. At the age of 22 he won the Irish Times National Debating Championship and the National Irish Language Debating Championship.”

New website offers guide to Irish place names (Oct 1, 2008)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/1001/breaking7.htm
“The official Irish language names of almost 100,000 towns, streets and post offices will be listed on a new website launched today.”
See also:
Website may end squabbling about Irish placenames
Irish Placenames Website developed by DCU Fiontar

Ó Cuív makes regulations under section 9(1) of the Official Languages Act 2003 (Oct 1, 2008)
http://www.pobail.ie/en/PressReleases/htmltext,9523,en.html
...“The regulations deal with the use of the Irish and English languages in pre-recorded oral announcements, on stationery and on signage by public bodies, including Government Departments, local authorities etc.”

Wes's Fools - dundarlán

By special guest poster Máire!
dundarlán noun m1
- thickset, stocky, dumpy person; dunderhead, blockhead