Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Another news flash, re: good news this time

Future of Irish daily, Lá Nua is secured (Feb 26, 2008)
http://www.irelandclick.com/

“Chief Executive of Pobal, Janet Muller, has welcomed news that the daily Irish language newspaper Lá Nua will be able to see out its current contract period to December 2008 and build for the future.”

Saturday, February 23, 2008

News corral, to an 3ú lá is fiche Mí Feabhra

IRELAND: THE ONLY PLACE TO BE THIS SAINT PATRICK’S DAY (Feb 16, 08)
http://travelvideo.tv/news/more.php?id=13595_0_1_0_M

“...GaelSpraoi is an exciting series of events available throughout the festival promoting the use of the Irish language amongst visitors to Ireland and residents in fun and novel settings.”

http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/news/080218briefs.shtml
“The National Union of Journalists has expressed concern over the proposed closure of Irish language newspaper Lá Nua. The NUJ said the current crisis stems partly from a withdrawal of funding by Foras na Gaeilge, the body responsible for promoting the Irish language.
"Lá Nua has been running for 24 years and ten journalists are facing redundancy under the proposals.”

Tudors and Kings are IFTAs royalty (Feb 18, 2008)
http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0218/iftas.html

“The Irish Film & Television Awards took place in Dublin last night with the series 'The Tudors', the Irish-language film 'Kings' and 'Garage' the big winners at the ceremony.”

Le pub Irlandais is too Anglais (Feb 17, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/world-news/le-pub-irlandais-is-too-anglais-1291427.html

“An Irish pub is under pressure from the authorities in Canada -- for being too English.”

'Tudors,' Garage' top Irish awards (Feb 19, 2008)
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/awards_festivals/news/e3i759fab371cec7873c429415b0300f829
“... On the feature film side, a strongly contested race saw "Kings" and "Garage" emerge as the top winners, with five and four awards, respectively.”

Huge support for Irish language parade (Feb 20, 2008)
http://www.irelandclick.com/
(and a cast of a thousand more characters)
Thousands of people took to the streets of Belfast city centre on Saturday to show their support for the Irish language and cultural diversity.

"The march, organised by POBAL, the umbrella organisation for Irish language groups in the North, was hailed by the Chief Executive of POBAL, Janet Muller, as a huge success.”

Praised Gaelic newspaper collapses (Feb 20, 2008)
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/politics-news/2008/02/20/praised-gaelic-newspaper-collapses-91466-20497677/
“An Irish language newspaper held up as an example for future Welsh publications is on the verge of collapse.”

Five IFTA awards for Collins' 'Kings' (Feb 19, 2008)
http://www.derryjournal.com/journal/Five-IFTA-awards-for-Collins.3789826.jp
“Derry director Tom Collins' Irish language feature film 'Kings' collected five Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA) at the Dublin awards ceremony on Sunday night.”

Meaney goes Gaelic for 'Kings' (Feb 19, 2008)
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117981151.html?categoryId=2806&cs=1
“Irish actor Colm Meaney has come full circle with his new film "Kings," which was filmed entirely in the Gaelic language and became the first film submitted by Ireland for consideration in the Academy Awards' foreign-language film category.”

Minister promotes Irish language (Feb 20, 2008)
http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5gruocFz7RNkGyD7xgqC1Qtz67Ugw
“Gaeltacht Affairs minister Eamon O Cuiv is promoting the Irish language during a two-day trip to Boston.”

Irish language national daily in funding crisis (Feb 20, 2008)
http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=40314&c=1
“The daily Irish language newspaper La Nua is on the verge of closure after its primary funders threatened to stop its support.”

Why Tom's a special type of guy (Feb 21, 2008)
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/film-tv/news/article3452965.ece
“In fact, if the Commission put themselves out and find an Irish language typewriter to present to the actor/producer at the screening next September, probably in the Waterfront, he will be delighted beyond words.”

Thousands demand their language rights (Feb 21, 2008)
http://www.anphoblacht.com/news/detail/24629

“There was a huge turn-out for the latest march demanding an Irish Language Act for the North as thousands of people paraded from West Belfast to the City Centre on Saturday, 16 February.”

Unique Fairs in Ireland Spring 2008 (Feb 22, 2008)
http://travelvideo.tv/news/more.php?id=13652_0_1_0_M
“The festival is taking place near the Gaeltacht areas (where Gaelic, the Irish language is spoken) of County Donegal so it offers the visitor an ideal opportunity to learn ‘a cupla focail’ or ‘a few words’ in the Irish language.”

Saturday, February 16, 2008

News anthology, to an 16ú lá Mí Feabhra

CELTIC LEAGUE: BRID HEUSSAFF - LANGUAGE ACTIVIST, RIGHTS SUPPORTER AND LEAGUE FOUNDER DIES (Feb 13, 2008)
http://www.agencebretagnepresse.com/fetch.php?id=9663&title=CELTIC%20LEAGUE:%20BRID%20HEUSSAFF%20-%20LANGUAGE%20ACTIVIST,%20RIGHTS%20SUPPORTER%20AND%20LEAGUE%20FOUNDER%20DIES
“The death of Brid Heussaff leaves a vacuum not just for her family but also her colleagues in the Celtic League. It is also a great loss to the National and Inter-Celtic bodies which she was enthusiastic about.”

Two Derry directors up for IFTA awards this Sunday (Feb 12, 2008)
http://www.derryjournal.com/journal/Two-Derry-directors-up-for.3766129.jp
“Tom Collins’ Irish language feature film ‘Kings’, by Derry-based company, DeFacto Films, has received a total of 14 nominations at this year’s ceremony, including nominations in the categories of Film, Director, Script, Editing and Special Irish Language Award, among others.”

Boys were 'damaged' by sex trysts with poet (Feb 10, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/boys-were-damaged-by-sex-trysts-with-poet-1286378.html
“Gardai are to be given a report outlining the alleged trauma inflicted on teenage Nepalese boys who slept with the poet Cathal O Searcaigh.”

Plunkett’s celebrate in style (Feb 16th, 2008)
http://www.southernstar.ie/article.php?id=579
“... First speaker on the rostrum was South West Board, hon. treasurer, and Cork County Board cultural officer James O’Neill. In an elegant and excellent bilingual address, delivered as Gaeilge agus Béarla, James lauded the club on what was truly an outstanding year on the field of play.”

Standing up for the Irish language (Feb 14, 2008)
http://www.anphoblacht.com/news/detail/24471

“Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP MLA, writing recently in the Irish-language newspaper Lá Nua, outlined Sinn Fein’s priorities for the Irish language, the party’s record on the language, and its vision for the future. Here, we reprint that important article in English.”

Say Tá to Irish this weekend in Belfast (Feb 16, 2008)
http://www.irelandclick.com/ and then some
“Thousands of Irish language supporters are expected to take to streets of Belfast city centre on Saturday to say Tá to the Irish language.
"Chief Executive of Pobal, Janet Muller, has called on people of all ages to turn out on Saturday and get into the carnival spirit.
"The event has been organised to give people the opportunity to voice support for the Irish language, to demonstrate the need for an Irish Language Act, and to show their support for the Irish language paper Lá Nua.”

Editorial: Minister’s intervention is timely (Feb 16, 2008)
http://www.irelandclick.com/ and so on
“The pledge this week by Minister Conor Murphy, in an interview on the local station Raidió Fáilte, to urgently address the government ban on advertising in Irish is welcome.”

An Triail @ axis Ballymun (Feb 16, 2008)
http://www.dublinks.com/index.cfm/loc/14/pt/0/spid/1ED28046-EB03-614E-DC1F7FEB6F6A2B7D.htm
“New Connemara-based theatre company Fíbín aims to make high-quality Irish-language drama accesible and enjoyable way to younger audiences. So what better to kick things off in Dublin than with their fantastically high-energy, ultra-visual production of the familiar Leaving Cert drama An Triail?”

The Joy of Des! (Feb 16, 2008)
http://dublinks.com/index.cfm/loc/15/pt/0/spid/A487C28A-ECD0-88FD-29D0DE67AF8E5525.htm
“Des Bishop will be speaking in Tongues at Vicar Street this February - and there's an extra date added due to popular demand.”

Monday, February 11, 2008

News flash re: news

!!!
Irish Paper Lá Nua To Close (Feb 11, 2008)
http://www.adworld.ie/news/?guid=b48b6a0f-65e0-475f-b65b-20c29512c66f
"Following the withdrawal of funding by Foras na Gaeilge, the Belfast-based Irish-language daily tabloid, Lá Nua, is believed to be closing at the end of the month."

Saturday, February 9, 2008

News digest, to 9ú lá Mí Feabhra

High Profile Names Added To Ennis Book Club Festival Line-up (Feb 4, 2008)
http://www.live-pr.com/en/high-profile-names-added-to-ennis-r1048181357.htm

“A number of high profile names have been added to the bill for the Ennis Book Club Festival 2008, which takes place in the Clare capital from 29th February to 2nd March.
“Event organisers have secured the participation of Diarmuid Gavin, writer, garden designer and TV personality; Richard Tillinghast, critically acclaimed US poet; Fintan O’Toole, drama critic, journalist and broadcaster; Ré Ó Laighléis, the biggest selling contemporary writer in the Irish language; Theo Dorgan, award winning Cork-born poet and broadcaster; and Vincent Woods, playwright, poet and presenter of RTE Radio One’s ‘The Arts Show’.”

Maurice Hayes Appointed Chairman Of Irish Language Broadcast Fund (Feb 5, 2008)
http://www.4rfv.co.uk/industrynews.asp?id=71244

“Northern Ireland Screen has announced the appointment of Maurice Hayes to the Board of the Commission and as Chairman of the Irish Language Broadcast Fund (ILBF) Sub-Committee.”

Irish ties growing at UM (Feb 5, 2008)
http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2008/02/05/news/local/news04.txt

“Katie Ni Loingsigh, a student at the University College Cork in Ireland, could hardly believe her ears when she learned her educational exchange with the University of Montana would include an internship with U.S. Magistrate Jeremiah Lynch.
“... While they are in Missoula, the Irish law students will be working with Lynch and Chief U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy, taking classes at UM's Law School, and assisting UM Irish history and Irish language instructor Terry O'Riordain.”

Washington Pressure on Dodds (Feb 5, 2008)
http://lark.phoblacht.net/SMCM0208.html

“Fr. Mc Manus concluded, ‘What I’m hearing time and time again is “Are we just expected to keep on welcoming members of the DUP to Washington, while back in Northern Ireland the DUP demonstrates contempt for Catholics and disrespects the Irish language?” Isn’t it sad all this is happening so soon after the very positive visit of Dr. Paisley and Martin Mc Guinness?’”

Gardai contact Nepalese over leading poet's sex with boys (Feb 6, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/gardai-contact-nepalese-over-leading-poets-sex-with-boys-1282538.html
“Gardai have been in contact with the authorities in Nepal over a controversial documentary made there about the Irish language poet Cathal O Searcaigh and his sexual relationships with teenage males.”

Ahern slams Aer Lingus for dropping Irish announcements (Feb 5, 2008)
http://www.irishexaminer.com/breaking/ireland/mheyqlgbauey/

“Taoiseach Bertie Ahern tonight criticised Aer Lingus for dropping Irish language messages on its new flights out of Belfast.”

Quality mark scheme for businesses using Irish (Feb 5, 2008)
http://www.galwaynews.ie/2702-quality-mark-scheme-businesses-using-irish

“The Irish language promotional organisation, Gaillimh le Gaeilge marked their 21 year association with the city with the launch of a new initiative.”

A shared future.? (Feb 6, 2008)
http://www.ballymoneytimes.co.uk/news/A-shared-future.3744318.jp

“Two recently produced posters for two schools one in Ballycastle and the hebredian island of Islay provide a strong symbol for the role Gaelic is playing in exploring a shared future and are the latest examples of extraordinary links that are sprouting between north Antrim and Scotland.”

Gay poet denies sex with boys in Nepal (Feb 7, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/gay-poet--denies-sex-with-boys-in-nepal-1283482.html
“Supporters of Irish language poet Cathal O Searchaigh closed ranks yesterday over controversial claims that he had sexual relationships with teenage males as young as 16.”

Much to look forward to in Lent; things to ponder (Feb 8, 2008)
http://www.irelandclick.com/ and then some

“...It’s hats off too to the organisers of the first-ever Ulster-Scots and Irish language celebration in the Cultúrlann tonight. ”

JANEY MAC! IRISH-ENGLISH IS BANJAXED, SO IT IS... (Feb 9, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/janey-mac-irishenglish-is-banjaxed-so-it-is-1285816.html
“Yer man, Professor Terry Dolan, the leading authority on Hiberno-English in Ireland, is after saying that our traditional Irish way of talking English is banjaxed.”

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Death's Door whiskey clearly impresses

Seeing as how Wes nabbed the Welsh newspaper item, here's an alcól item (since I happen to know he was keeping his eye out for such a thing):
Death's Door whiskey clearly impresses (Jan 7, 2008)
http://www.madison.com/tct/entertainment/265856

"'It's a lot like Irish putcheen,' says Ellison, using the anglicized version of the more familiar 'poteen' or 'poitin.' 'Although the flavor could be closer to Canadian whiskey because we use a distillate based on wheat.'"

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Welsh Language Newspaper to Go Ahead

Despite viability not having yet been demonstrated for a new Welsh language Newspaper, Welsh Heritage Minister, Rhodri Glyn Thomas is prepared to more than double the money currently earmarked for promotion of the language and culture, which  includes the new Newspaper.


That's the spirit!


News Wales

The Irish in Liverpool

If you happen to be in Liverpool, feel the need to connect with Irish culture and language, and can't get across the Irish Sea,

Despair you not!


Head on over to the St. Michael's Irish Centre

... and bring the kids!

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Obair Bhaile

Wes's Fools

abhlóir noun m3
- buffoon

News roundup, to an 2a lá Mí Feabhra

Minister has 'no problem' with ex-IRA killer in top job (Jan 27, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/minister-has-no-problem-with-exira-killer-in-top-job-1275093.html
"Gaeltacht Minister Eamon O Cuiv says he has 'no problem with the appointment of a former IRA man, convicted of murdering a 19-year-old part-time policewoman in Derry, to a senior position in the cross-Border Irish language funding quango Foras na Gaeilge."
.
EX IRA LOUGHREA TOWN COUNCILLOR GIVEN TOP JOB (Jan 27, 2008)
http://www.galwaynews.ie/2616-ex-ira-loughrea-town-councillor-given-top-job

“A Loughrea town councillor has been appointed to a senior position in the cross-border group, Foras na Gaeilge.”
.
Linda Breathnach (Jan 27, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/news-gossip/linda-breathnach-1275128.html
“She's starring in the hottest new Irish-language drama around, Seacht, a racy new show currently hitting our screens on TG4. It explores the lives and loves of seven students attending a performance arts college in Belfast.”
.
Minister gets Irish medium conference under way (Jan 29, 2008)
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/education/article3382713.ece
“More than 200 delegates attended this year's annual Irish-medium education conference in Belfast yesterday.
“Education Minister Caitríona Ruane opened the event at Coláiste Feirste, Belfast's post-primary Irish-medium college.”

English way with words wins Irish dictionary deal (Jan 30, 2008)
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/frontpage/2008/0130/1201501727460.html?via=me
“Anglo-Irish relations have reached an all-time high with the news that a British company has won a contract for work on a new English-Irish dictionary for Foras na Gaeilge.
“The dictionary will be aimed at a wide readership and comes almost 50 years after de Bhaldraithe's English-Irish Dictionary was published.”

Council backing for Irish language Act (Jan 30, 2008)
http://www.derryjournal.com/journal/Council-backing-for-Irish-language.3721919.jp
“The ongoing fight for an Irish language Act for Northern Ireland is back on the agenda after Derry City Council agreed to show its support.
“Sinn Fein Councillor, Kevin Campbell called on the council to write to Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Edwin Poots, to introduce an Irish language Act.”

Ulster roads to get Irish signs (Jan 30, 2008)
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.u
k/news/local-national/article3384966.ece
“The Stormont Executive is to be asked to green light a 'limited' number of bilingual new road signs in Irish.”

Derry headmaster says céad míle fáilte (Feb 1, 2008)
http://www.derryjournal.com/journal/Derry-headmaster-says-cad-mle.3734286.jp
“The headmaster of an Irish language primary school in Derry has said he won't turn away students from across the border.”

Irish Cream (Feb 2, 2008)
http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?leftnm=5&subLeft=10&chklogin=N&autono=312284&tab=r
"...
So, despite Delhi’s bitter cold, my cultural genes drew me out on many evenings this last fortnight to attend the first Irish Literary Festival, organised by the embassy of Ireland and the Ireland Literature Exchange."