Blogs

The popping of champagne corks and the chink of wine bottles heralded the opening of TNT Theatre Britain's celebrated interpretation of Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice, with performances at Peel Castle and Rushen Abbey.

Despite differing weather conditions, patrons unveiled assorted hampers and picnic baskets as Grantly Marshall introduced TNT Theatre Britain's latest production, which had brought them to the Island for a seventh, consecutive year.

Although the Isle of Man has been represented for many years at the Festival Interceltique Lorient in Brittany, this is the first time in the festival's forty five year history that the Island has been the main focus, sharing the status of 'honoured nation' with Cornwall.

With a population of over ninety million, and listed as the thirteenth most densely populated country in the world, Vietnam's economy has experienced rapid growth in recent years, but it's not good news for everyone; which is why local woman, Fiona Hill-Heaton, is fundraising for the Christina Noble Children's Foundation.

Millions of families in the poor, rural and ethnic minority communities continue to be at risk, as high inflation leaves them struggling to pay for basic daily needs, such as food, water, transportation, schooling and health care.

Touting itself as the largest free Irish Fair in the States, this weekend the Irish fair of Minnesota takes off with a wide array of entertainment and educational activities. This year’s line-up of entertainment includes the Wild Colonial Bhoys, Finbar Fury, Tim Malloys, Sweet Colleens, Dubliner Katie MccMahon, Cherish the Ladies and Socks in the frying Plan from County Clare. 

The modern era of Gaelic Medium Education in Scotland’s primary schools took off in the 1980s. Since that time the number of children attending Gaelic Medium schools has been growing and this week the announcement was made that the fourth Gaelic Medium primary school will open in Portree on the Isle of Skye.

Do justice to Irish, give it a chance

On it’s own native soil, as the French has in France;

No honey so sweet as it drops from the leaf

Or so thrilling a sound for the Bard and the Chief.

The gift of our fathers from sire to son

Despite the proud Saxon, his steel and his gun.

Erin’s Saint Patrick through it spread the good news,

Securing salvation to men if they choose.

Proud Brian in Gaelic charged his good men,

And smote the barbarian on Cluan Tairb fen.

Ireland shall weep if this tongue you don’t cherish

The Following Plan put forward by the unassailable logic of Tomas Maoilseachlainn of the Donegal Gaeltacht, will guarantee the restoration of the Gaelic Tongue.  This fool proof proposal demands an immediate response from Dublin. Originally published in the Irish Times on July 4, 2015: 

After 93 years of self-government, it would appear that we can’t save the Irish language by formal education or appeals to patriotism or cultural pride.

Originally published January 22, 2013 by the Transceltic Team: 

The Selkie-folk, in the mythology of Orkney and Shetland, are a supernatural race of shape-shifting seal creatures.  They are said to be able to shed their seal skin and then take human form. However, it was vital for the Selkie never to lose its seal skin for it was that which gave them the ability to return to their original seal from. Sometimes the Selkies were known for shedding their skins and sunbathing on the beaches and rocks in their human form.

The Welsh Language Society (Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg) have called on the Wesh Government to introduce educational reforms to ensure that Welsh Medium Education is available to all students.

The Peel Traditional Boat Weekend, now in its twenty fifth year, has become a nautical fixture on the Island's event calendar and irresistible to the sailing fraternity, who return annually to sample Manx hospitality and get together with old friends.

Straddling the end of July and the beginning of August, it's a great opportunity for members of the public to get up close to a variety of old style vessels and admire their skill and dexterity as they gather in the bay for a colourful Parade of Sail.