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One of the more unusual events on the Manx calendar is the annual Praying the Keeills Week, which incorporates visits to a number of ancient, holy sites across the Island with other events during the week.

Now in its tenth year, their chosen theme for 2015 is Saints and their Keeills, which begins and finishes with a challenging full day walk, taking in some of the Island's beautiful scenery.

The historical keeill (Manx Gaelic: church, kirk) is a Christian chapel built during the 8th - 12th century, some rarely larger than three metres by five metres internally.

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Exchange Over Recruitment into British Army from Irish Republic

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

There has been a further exchange between the Celtic League and the Department of Defence in Ireland concerning the recruitment of young people from Ireland into the British Army (see link).

We have concluded the correspondence by reminding the Department that we will monitor the situation and highlight any cases of abuse of young recruits which come to light (see below):

“Dear Mr Lowe,

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Celtic League Caution MOD about Treatment of Sub Safety Whistle-Blower

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

The Celtic League has today written to Defence Secretary Michael Fallon concerning the detention of a Royal Navy submariner who revealed a catalogue of safety shortcomings in relation to ballistic submarine safety.

The League says that Belfast man Able Seaman William McNeill should be commended for his actions and the also say that his:

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Ireland: Charles Visit – Para’s Controversies – No They Were Murders Tommy!

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

There was much tact and diplomacy as RTE covered the visit of Prince Charles to Ireland yesterday.

Most diplomatic were Gerry Adams and Martin McGuiness, perhaps with an eye to a possible pivotal role in a future 26 County government they were tight-lipped about the discussion they had with the heir to the British throne, saying just enough to appear conciliatory, but not enough to alienate their supporters.

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Scottish Children Commissioner Response on Cadet Abuse Issue

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

We have received a response from the Children’s Commissioner for Scotland following our query about safeguards in relation to the military cadet forces.

Celtic News readers will recall we raised further concerns about cadet forces with Children’s Commissioners in Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland following revelations that millions of pounds had been paid by the MOD to settle claims out of Court.

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Whistle Blower Exposes Trident Danger

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

The possible threat posed by nuclear submarines operating around our shores to motor fishing vessels has once again been in focus following the incidents earlier this year off Western Scotland and in the Irish Sea .

However, another threat posed by these extremely large submersibles (a typical SSBN can be 9000 tonnes) is from accident and resultant pollution.

When the Scottish National Party (SNP) rode to such a decisive victory in Scotland in the May 7th 2015 UK General Election political and media supporters of the Union (keeping Scotland within the United Kingdom) got a bloody nose. The SNP has completely altered the political landscape in Scotland. They won 56 of the nation's 59 seats. The biggest losers were the Labour Party which was left with just one Member of Parliament, losing 40 seats. Punished heavily for years of contempt, where they took for granted the Scottish voters loyalty without delivering on their promises. 

One of Europe's largest youth touring festivals will be in Caerphilly between 25-30 May 2015. The Urdd National Eisteddfod attracts around 90,000 visitors each year. Over 15,000 children and young people under the age of 25 will take part in various competitions such as singing, dancing and performing during Eisteddfod week. Information about the annual Welsh-language festival can be obtained from the Urdd website.

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Lost in Translation

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

Turning on the Radio this morning I thought I had accidentally tuned to the BFBS (for those not up to speed with military parlance that’s the British Forces Broadcasting Service), but no, it was just the latest bulletin from military-fest on Douglas (Isle of Man) Promenade where the British Army are staging a ‘show’.

Conveniently it is just across from entertainments venue the Villa Marina so if the weather turns inclement they can take the show indoors.

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Celtic League Vindicated – Again!

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

The news that Police Scotland is to seek access to a recently declassified US Senate Report into CIA rendition using Scottish Airports including Prestwick as stop-offs when illegally detained persons were transported to torture centres is a clear vindication of over ten years of campaigning by the Celtic League and other Rights groups.

Over ten years ago the Celtic League pressed the (then) Strathclyde Police to investigate the allegations.