Blogs

Saint Columba (Irish: Colm Cille) was born on the 7 December 521 near Lough Gartan, which was part of Tyrconnell and now in modern County Donegal, in Ireland. Columba's father was Fedlimid and his mother Eithne of the Cenel Conaill. He was the great-great-grandson of Niall Noígíallach, Irish high king who reigned in the late 4th and early 5 centuries, and ancestor of the Uí Néill family who were dominant in Ireland from the 6th to the 10th century.

A selection of artefacts from a Viking treasure hoard uncovered in Galloway is to go on display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh next month. Around 70 items from the Galloway Hoard will be able to be seen for the first time in an exhibition from 16 June to 1 October. Metal detectorist Derek McLennan, from Ayrshire, discovered the haul of Viking treasure in Galloway in 2014, after it had been buried for safekeeping 1,000 years ago. The value of the treasure runs to hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Today (30 May 2017) the Scottish National Party (SNP) launched their manifesto for the 2017 UK General Election which takes place on June 8th. Some 1,400 people gathered in Perth for the launch of the manifesto 'Stronger For Scotland'. In it they set out their plan to end austerity, strengthen Scotland’s hand in Brexit negotiations and ensure the right for Scottish people to choose their own future. Leader of the SNP Nicola Sturgeon stated that now, more than ever, it is vital to have strong SNP voices standing up for Scotland.

Local traditional music group Croan yn Tead recently hosted a very successful visit by The Lissenhall Harp Ensemble from Ireland who journeyed to the Island from Dublin.

Both groups joined forces to rehearse their joint sets at the Mitre Hotel in Ramsey in preparation for their forthcoming concert, but managed to fit in a visit to the House of Manannan in Peel. After their brief sojourn in the west everyone returned to the Mitre in Ramsey for a mighty music session, with more than thirty musicians from both groups taking advantage of the weekly Irish music session.

Hay-on-Wye (Welsh: Y Gelli Gandryll), is a small market town and community in Powys, Wales. Since 1988, it has been home to a literary festival, which draws thousands of visitors over ten days at the beginning of June. The scope of the festival has expanded over the years to include musical performances and film previews. Hay Festival Wales is taking place now until 4 June. In describing the event the organisers state:

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 new opinion poll undertaken by YouGov for the campaign group YesCymru has shown that a quarter of the Welsh public favour independence for Wales. This surge in support rises to a third if the Conservatives increase their majority in Westminster when the UK General Election takes place on June 8. The figures reveal a major change in the views of the Welsh electorate.

The Urdd National Eisteddfod is one of Europe’s largest youth touring festivals with over 15,000 children and young people competing. This years event is being held in Bridgend, Taff-Ely between 29 May - 3 June 2017. It is a festival that celebrates the Welsh language, culture and talents of the young people of Wales. More information can be seen on the Urdd Eisteddfod website.

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?