Thursday, August 28, 2008

News through an 28ú lá Mí Lúnasa

Pair pass their Eire levels! (August 24, 2008)
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/localbrad/3617773.Pair_pass_their_Eire_levels_/

“Mature students Guy Killingbeck and Liam Padden are celebrating after gaining top grade results in Irish.”

Decline in Irish language studies (August 25, 2008)
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/3425/Decline-in-Irish-language-studies.4423000.jp

“The popularity of Irish with GCSE and A-level students is plummeting, with the subject suffering a bigger percentage decline in popularity than any other subject across the UK.”

Nenagh rapper to perform at Electric Picnic (August 27, 2008)
http://www.nenaghguardian.ie/entertainment/nenagh-rapper-to-perform-at-electric-picnic-1464307.html

...“Bubba says he's relishing the prospect of performing at Electric Picnic, where he'll pack a live set of all original material, including Beautiful and even some Rap as Gaeilge.”

Durkan calls for Irish mobiles in the North (August 27, 2008)
http://www.derryjournal.com/journal/Durkan-calls-for-Irish-mobiles.4426264.jp

“SDLP Councillor, Mark H Durkan is calling on Samsung to make their new F480 model - the first Irish language mobile phone - available in the North.”

College and Council to deliver Irish language classes (August 28, 2008)
http://www.midulstermail.co.uk/news/College-and-Council-to-deliver.4432217.jp

“South West College and Cookstown District Council have come together to deliver Irish Language classes.”

Junior Cert prize is a real laugh (August 28, 2008)
http://www.kerryman.ie/news/junior-cert-prize-is-a-real-laugh-1465072.html

“A Duagh woman was left more than a little bemused this week to receive one of the top marks for the Junior Cert Irish essay — a result she hadn’t been expecting given that she sat the paper seven years ago.
...“As her surname suggests, Teresa has been laughing heartily since receiving the medal.”

Gaelscoil pupils pick up top marks in GCSE exam (August 28, 2008)
http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/SC/free/304841331996421.php

“Making the shift from primary to secondary school can be a big step for many a pupil, but not many can say they are making the cross-over with a GCSE already under their belt.”

Friday, August 22, 2008

News through an 22ú lá Mí Lúnasa

FAI scores with Eire on strips (August 16, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/fai-scores-with-eire-on-strips-1456948.html

“Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Eamon O Cuiv yesterday welcomed the FAI's decision to have Eire emblazoned on new international match-day jerseys worn by the Irish squad for the first time in World Cup qualifier matches.”

Why do erudite people boast of blissful ignorance of maths? (August 16, 2008)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2008/0816/1218748037830.html
Just a reference:

...“Like the Irish language and romantic poetry, maths is, surely, worth studying for its own sake.”

Segregation is 'distinctive' in North schools (August 16, 2008)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0816/1218836129888.html

...“Seán Ó Cuin of Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta emphasised that Irish could be part of a person's British identity just as Welsh is in Wales and Gaelic in Scotland.”

An Irishman's Diary for August 18, 2008
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2008/0818/1218868019385.html

“As another Béal na mBláth commemoration approaches, spare a thought for someone else who is remembered for his bravery during Easter Week, 1916 and his tragic death during the Civil War in the summer of 1922.”

Turf boats defy the elements to deliver the goods (August 18, 2008)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0818/1218868019944.html

“The fleet of Galway hookers even opted to leave south Connemara a day early to ensure that one of the highlights of Kinvara's annual Cruinniú na mBád took place ahead of a series of low pressure bands on the meteorological charts.”

Opinion: It's time for a Dail diet (August 18, 2008)
http://www.herald.ie/opinion/comment/its-time-for-a-dail-diet-1457950.html

...“Within Leinster House itself, meanwhile, everything is done according to the old public sector culture -- spend the money first and worry about whether it was justified later. Staff get special training courses on how to use their Blackberry phones, new TDs are given ‘mentors’ to help them settle in and Irish language experts are employed to translate thousands of documents that few even bother to read in English.”

Festival to give glimpse into the past (August 19, 2008)
http://www.herald.ie/national-news/city-news/festival-to-give-glimpse-into-the-past-1458834.html

“Heritage Week to focus on history of south Dublin
...“There will be an exhibition during the week to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of St Enda's School, which was founded by Padraig Pearse.
“‘For Padraig Pearse and other language revivalists, saving the Irish language from extinction was a cultural priority of the utmost importance,’ she added.”

RTE service for Derry appeal (August 20, 2008)
http://www.derryjournal.com/journal/RTE-service-for-Derry-appeal.4404872.jp

...“‘Under provisions of the Good Friday Agreement Irish language Television station TG4 must be made available to viewers in the North,’ he said.”

'Eden' to open Irish Film Festival (August 20, 2008)
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/awards_festivals/news/e3ifcd8e3f7380913c3fe4096c17d6489ff

“Declan Recks' ‘Eden’ has been selected to screen as the opening night film of the first Irish Film Festival of Los Angeles, which kicks off at the Clarity Theater in Beverly Hills on Oct. 2.
...“The festival will also screen Tom Collins' "Kings," the first Irish-language film ever submitted in the best foreign-language category for an Academy Award.”

It's 'Comhghairdeas a Antaine' after lottery win for Sion man (August 21, 2008)
http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/SC/free/301587918967533.php

...“‘Last Saturday my wife was watching the show with her father but they missed the draw for the names for next week's show. A friend rang and said they thought my name had been drawn but they couldn't be sure because it was all in Irish. As luck would have it, it was me,’ he explained.”
See also:
Sion man makes 'Big Money' show live up to its name


Businesses urged to celebrate Cultúr in Castlebar (August 22, 2008)
http://www.mayoadvertiser.com/index.php?aid=6986

...“Using the Irish language is a very simple and visual way of displaying our culture. Gnó Mhaigh Éo can help with any translation or advice on incorporating Gaeilge into your Gnó.”

Nollaig, champion of the native tongue, passes away (August 23, 2008)
http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/Nollaig-champion-of-the-native.4414923.jp

“Journalist, writer, lecturer and historian, Nollaig Ó Gadhra, from Feenagh, ‘made a significant contribution to Irish historical research and understanding’, according to Mary Immaculate College/UL history lecturer, Liam Irwin.”

Monday, August 18, 2008

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2008

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2008 takes place in Tullamore, County Offaly from 17th - 24th August.
http://www.fleadh2008.com/

News through an 15ú lá Mí Lúnasa

Working With Animals and Children ... And Loving It (August 12, 2008)
http://www.redorbit.com/news/entertainment/1519586/working_with_animals_and_children__and_loving_it/

“In the zoo we offer self-guided trails in French and Irish. We started with French after discussion with a French teacher from Little Flowers Secondary School who thought this would help pupils. We were then approached by Gael Lynn, an organisation for the promotion and development of Irish language, who asked if we would offer a self-guided trail in Irish.”

Ó Cuív to attend Milwaukee Irish Fest (August 13, 2008)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0813/breaking139.htm

“Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív is visiting the US to attend the Milwaukee Irish Fest — the world’s largest Irish cultural festival today.
“The four-day event in Wisconsin state will feature its own Gaeltacht, currach races, an Irish dancing tent, hurling games and tug-of-war contests.”

Des does Vicar Street (again)! (August 13, 2008)
http://www.dublinks.com/index.cfm/loc/15/pt/0/spid/BAF95ADF-A45E-957E-F607D6C91D8BE997.htm

“Everyone's favourite gaelgoir will be speaking in Tongues at Vicar Street on 3rd September - with a very specialshow in aid of Barnardos!”

A guest of eternity: Mahmoud Darwish in memoriam (August 13, 2008)
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article9761.shtml

“He asked me about the Irish language, and seemed genuinely shocked when I told him that only around one percent of Irish people spoke it as their first language.”

Irish Fest kicks off tonight (August 13, 2008)
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=783117

“If you can’t find yourself a good time at Irish Fest, then there’s nothing to be done for you.”

Irish comes to life for parading teenagers (August 14, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/irish-comes-to-life-for---parading-teenagers-1454346.html

“Colaiste na bhFiann, which holds courses in Longford, Galway, Sligo, Meath, Carlow and Kerry, is celebrating 40 years in existence.”

Why Irish exams drive you to distraction (August 14, 2008)
http://www.herald.ie/opinion/comment/why-irish-exams-drive-you-to-distraction-1454718.html

“Along with the Leaving Cert, learning our first language and the driving test are ordeals peculiar to us”

Bebo kills off racist Irish quiz (August 14, 2008)
http://www.herald.ie/national-news/bebo-kills-off-racist-irish-quiz-1454781.html

“While many questions were simple in their connotations asking, 'Who was Brian Boru?', 'How many counties are there in Ireland?' or 'What is the Irish language?' many more were deemed highly unsuitable.”

Fmr Conradh na Gaeilge president dies (August 14, 2008)
http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0814/ogadhran.html

“Founder member of Teilifís na Gaeilge and former President of Conradh na Gaeilge Nollaig Ó Gadhra has died at the age of 64.”
See also:
Taoiseach leads tributes to the late Nollaig O Gadhra
Taoiseach pays warm tribute to historian
Limerick born Irish language activist buried

An Taibhdhearc plans major revamp (August 14, 2008)
http://www.galwaynews.ie/4657-taibhdhearc-plans-major-revamp

“Well known Irish language theatre, An Taibhdhearc, in Galway city, is planning a major revamp of its Middle Street premises.”

Libyans beat Irish in Leaving Cert exams (August 15, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/world-news/libyans-beat-irish-in-leaving-cert-exams-1456355.html

“The only major differences in the curriculum are the substitution of Arabic for the Irish language and Libyan history for Irish history.”

Festival Tradition Runs Deep In Ireland (August 15, 2008)
http://www.wuwm.com/programs/news/view_news.php?articleid=3295

“But beautiful or not, beginning in the 1800s the use of the language declined drastically. For starters, when Great Britain embraced Ireland as part of the United Kingdom, the Irish were expected to speak English.”

Ó Cuív welcomes 'Éire' on new FAI jerseys (August 15, 2008)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0815/breaking319.htm

“Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív has welcomed a move by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to incorporate the word 'Éire' on their international match day jerseys.”
See also:
New Éire dawns for Irish jerseys

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Two more extras

An Irishman's Diary for July 18, 2008
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2008/0718/1216073258133.html?via=mr

"I was amused to read that, according to our report of Brian Cowen's visit to New York, a city councillor there was heard to wonder aloud why the distinguished visitor's job title was in 'Yiddish', writes Frank McNally"

A grand soft year, tank God, says the queen (August 3, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/news-gossip/a-grand-soft-year-tank-god-says-the-queen-1445722.html
“Well, I never. The results of a survey released across the water last week revealed that, after the Queen's English, most people in Britain would rather speak with an Irish accent.”

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

News through an 12ú lá Mí Lúnasa

Samsung Tocco Review (August 7, 2008)
http://www.siliconrepublic.com/news/article/11167/digital-life/samsung-tocco-review

...“Another unique addition to the Tocco is it allows you to text as Gaeilge. I liked that when I turned it on it greeted me with ‘Dia Dhuit’ (‘Hello’ in Irish) and there is predictive text for those who wish to text in their native tongue – I wonder what textese in Irish looks like? Maybe ‘xMT’ would work as ‘Póg ma thóin?'”

Friel’s masterpiece comes to Kilkenny Castle (August 7, 2008)
http://www.kilkennyadvertiser.ie/index.php?aid=10135

“Widely regarded as Brian Friel’s theatrical masterpiece Translations has compelled audiences the world over to consider the fundamental nature of language, its connection to culture and its relationship to power.”

St. John's farmer was last who could speak Irish dialect (August 7, 2008)
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=816da17a-bcb0-4add-9b9c-0eab37d7d4f0

“A St. John's man believed to be the last speaker of an obscure dialect of the Irish language died Wednesday morning.”

Féile on the Mall launched in style (August 8, 2008)
http://www.mayoadvertiser.com/index.php?aid=6878

“The inaugural Féile on the Mall was launched in style this week in the county capital. The one-day charity event will see the Mall in Castlebar transformed from its usual serenity into a hive of activity with bungee jumping, live stage music, bouncy castles, arts and crafts and much, much more on Saturday August 30.”

Rinceoirí to host their 8th Summer School of Irish Dancing, Prague, Czech Republic (August 8, 2008)
http://www.europeanirish.com/news_details.php?news_id=657

“Rinceoirí are bringing a flavour of Irish Dancing to Prague from the 16th of August to the 22nd of August.
...“Irish language lessons are also to be held just showing how healthy Irish culture is thoughout Europe.”

Blathnaid says final farewell to beloved dad (August 8, 2008)
http://www.herald.ie/national-news/blathnaid-says-final-farewell-to-beloved-dad-1450300.html

“RTE's Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh said her final farewell to her father in what was a sad day for the presenter and her close-knit family.
“At the funeral mass, Sean O Cofaigh was described as a man who was strongly committed to his Co Meath community and the Irish language.”

Film star getting village honour (August 8, 2008)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7550732.stm

“He became more associated with the fictional Amity Island, but Jaws star Robert Shaw is to be commemorated in a small Irish village he made his home.
“Residents are erecting a plaque in memory of the English-born actor and writer who lived on the shores of Lough Mask at Tourmakeady, County Mayo.
“He lived in the Gaeltacht village for 10 years before his 1978 death.”

Soaring towards serenity (August 9, 2008)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/weekend/2008/0809/1218206256054.html?via=mr

“Pearse Hutchinson's latest collection is a book of backward glances that also anticipates more work to come.
...“That poem explores the poet's love of the Irish language, and At Least for a While reveals Hutchinson's passion for many other European cultures, including Galician, Dutch and Welsh.”

Matchmaker poet rejected illiterate girl as wife for son (August 11, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/matchmaker-poet-rejected--illiterate-girl-as-wife-for-son-1451572.html

“Controversial poet Cathal O Searcaigh rejected a wife for his adopted son because she was illiterate.
“In a passage in the book to aid those trying to master the Irish language, the writer -- who has been accused of exploiting Nepalese natives -- said he had the final say in Prem Timalsina's marriage.”

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Extra news bits

I've been collecting some extra news items, and just haven't had the impetus to mention them here. Well, folks, right now it's either mess with the WYSIWYG editor or work on my master's paper, so here I am, and here are the first two, on Ulster Scots:

Letters: Debate on Ulster Scots is tiresome (August 2, 2008)
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/letters/debate-on-ulster-scots-is-tiresome-13926663.html

“How tedious it is to continually read about the trifling and foolish verbal differences about whether Ulster Scots is a language or a dialect.
“Can we not all accept that Ullans is the variety of the Scots language traditionally found in parts of Northern Ireland and Donegal, and is identical to that spoken in south west Scotland?
“As the originator of the concept of an Ulster Scots Academy, based on the Friesian Academy in the Netherlands, I look forward to the time when such issues are finally resolved.”

City hosts Ulster Scots festival (August 5, 2008)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7542543.stm

“The festival runs until Friday 8 August and features the story of the city's siege, reenacted on the walls.
“Organisers say Ulster Scots could boost the tourist industry.”

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

News through an 6ú lá Mí Lúnasa

It’s important to tread carefully in the minefield of languages (July 31, 2008) http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/itrsquos-important-to-tread-carefully-in-the-minefield-of-languages-13925400.html “Culture Minister Gregory Campbell has breathed new life into plans for an Ulster Scots Academy but, as Political Correspondent Noel McAdam reports, the treatment of both Irish and Ulster Scots remains a crucial test for the Executive.”
See also: Ulster-Scots academy 'misguided'


Glossy rail report unlikely to lift Minister's gloom -- even as Gaeilge... (July 31, 2008) http://www.independent.ie/business/glossy-rail-report-unlikely-to-lift-ministers-gloom-----even-as-gaeilge-1443670.html
...“His sense of fiscal unease won't have been assuaged by discovering that the beautifully produced glossy tome is actually only one half of a set of twins -- it is also published as Gaeilge.”

Éamon Ó Cuív’s Department funds new scholarships for NUIG (July 31, 2008)
http://www.galwayadvertiser.ie/content/index.php?aid=13192

“There is a demand for professionals with recognised qualifications in Irish language interpreting and translation, following Irish becoming an official language of the EU.”


Tourists to Galway and the west last year spent almost a billion (July 31, 2008)
http://www.galwayadvertiser.ie/content/index.php?aid=13202

Caption: “With the help of Gaillimh le Gaeilge, several large national and international companies have used the opportunity to use the Irish language in Galway city recently.”


Cuil slammed for ignorance of Irish language (July 31, 2008)
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/index.cfm?newsid=13899

“Search engine Cuil is likely to face even more critisim after it emerged that its name doesn't mean 'knowledge' in Irish (Gaeilge). Also, without an accent, Cuil should sound more like 'quill' than 'cool', as the company claims.”

Festival celebrates 'best of west' (August 3, 2008)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7530477.stm

“Once west Belfast made the news headlines for all the wrong reasons.

“But that was then. Now, the west of the city moves to the beat of a different drum as it prepares for Europe's largest community festival, Féile an Phobail.”

RTE campaign aims to shatter the Peig myth (August 3, 2008)
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/rte-campaign-aims-to-shatter-the-peig-myth-1445707.html

“RTÉ is planning a new book and series on the life of storyteller Peig Sayers that could have the Kerry woman turning in her grave.”

Cork Gaeltacht honours revered composer Ó Riada (August 4, 2008)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0804/1217628485901.html

“A life-size statue of composer Seán Ó Riada was unveiled in Cúil Aodha, in the Cork Gaeltacht, yesterday. Rachel Ni Riada, a daughter, represented the family alongside six of her siblings and 18 of Ó Riada's grandchildren.”


Education issues to be discussed at Parnell school (August 6, 2008)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0806/1217923980437.html

“Education remains a key area of public discourse, and will be highlighted later this week when it takes centre stage at the Parnell Summer School in Co Wicklow, writes Steven Carroll.
“A series of discussions on pressing issues, such as religion, integration, the Irish language and funding, as well as a series of historical presentations, will form the basis of the event.”

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Wes's Fools

raispín noun m4
- brat / rascal

... well, this one isn't that strong

Monday, August 4, 2008

fonn

fonn noun m1
- desire, urge, wish, inclination

You can use the word fonn to express a desire to do something.

fonn orm rud a dhéanamh.
I wish to do something.

literally - There is a desire on me to do a thing.

The preposition ar is used in combination with this noun, in the same way it is used with other words, like ocras - hunger, fearg - anger, and tart - thirst.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Wes's Fools

óinseach noun f2
- fool (female)

... this one's just for the ladies