Alastair Kneale's blog

Tragic news from this years Isle of Man TT. Jochem van den Hoek and Alan Bonner died yesterday. Davey Lambert passed away following an incident in the Superbike curtain raiser on Sunday.

Michael Rutter rode to victory in the Bennetts Lightweight Isle of Man TT yesterday (June 7th), setting a new lap record. This is his fifth in total TT win and gave the Italian Paton manufacturer their first ever win around the Mountain Course. He was joined on the podium by Martin Jessopp (Riders Motorcycles Kawasaki) in second place and third was Peter Hickman (IEG KMR Kawasaki):

Result of Bennetts Lightweight TT

1. Michael Rutter – SC Project Paton 

2. Martin Jessopp – Riders Motorcycles Kawasaki 

The International Isle of Man TT continues. Today (5th June) Michael Dunlop, from Ballymoney in Ireland rode his MD Racing Carl Cox Yamaha to his 14th TT victory when he won the Supersport TT Race 1.  James Hillier came in second on the JG Speedfit Kawasaki with Peter Hickman securing third place riding the Smiths Trooper Triumph. 

The International Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) Race is underway on the Isle of Man (Manx Gaelic: Mannin). The TT was first held on the Island in 1907 with the now world famous Snaefell  Mountain Course first used in 1911. The 37¾ mile course rises to 1,385ft (422 metres) above sea level at its highest. Yesterday June 4th) the Superbike race was won by Tyco BMW rider Ian Hutchinson, five seconds ahead of Peter Hickman, while Dean Harrison on a Kawasaki was third.

Interesting article here from Bernard Moffat, Public Relations Officer for Mannin Branch of the Celtic League. It follows the news that a group called Isle of Man Freethinkers are donating copies of a book called 'What is Humanism? How do you live without a god?' to schools on the Isle of Man:

‘Give Me A Child At An Impressionable Age'

As if life for Island schoolchildren isn’t confusing enough they are according to this article in the newspaper going to be gifted a tone or two by a body called Isle of Man Freethinkers.

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) (Irish: Cumann Lúthchleas Gael) is an Irish and international amateur sporting and cultural organisation. They focus mainly on promoting Gaelic games, including the traditional Irish sports of hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, handball and rounders. The Association also promotes Irish language, music and dance. The GAA yesterday (May 28 2017) officially opened a new stadium, McGovern Park, in the English city of London.

A group of humanists,atheists and agnostics on the Isle of Man (Manx: Mannin) has donated copies of the book 'What is Humanism? How do you live without god?' to Manx schools. The first of its kind it is aimed at the new curriculum for upper primary and lower secondary school children. The book examines how humanists respond to fundamental questions about morals and ethics, the origins of life, religion and the state. It looks at how people without belief in God live moral and fulfilled lives, with respect for humankind and the universe? 

Hartes Ease and The Tallis Consort are giving a joint Spring Concert of Early Music at St Ninian's Church in the Manx capital of Douglas (Manx: Doolish) on Friday 12th May. Hartes Ease is a group of musicians who give regular concerts throughout the Island. Their  performances include mainly renaissance music for recorders, viols and voices. The Tallis Consort is a group of singers specialising in a cappella music. The repertoire is mostly medieval and renaissance music, but also includes works by more modern composers.

MEDIA RELEASE FROM CULTURE VANNIN: 

New Guide to the Island’s historic sites published by Culture Vannin

A new book has just been published which, for the first time, provides a comprehensive guide to the Island’s archaeological sites.

The Australian Celtic Festival takes place every year. Crowds flock to the New South Wales town of Glen Innes in a celebration of the music, song, dance and culture of all the Celtic Nations. The Festival attracts clans, cultural groups, dancers and performers from around Australia and beyond.