Blogs

Benbecula (Scottish Gaelic: Beinn nam Fadhla) is an island of the Outer Hebrides (Na h-Eileanan Siar) off the west coast of Scotland. Lionacleit in Benbecula is one of more than 20 recorded sites of ancient woodland that once grew in the islands. Archaeologists have now found evidence of early human activity at a submerged prehistoric forest at Lionacleit. The Scottish Coastal Archaeology and the Problem of Erosion (SCAPE) Trust, a charity that works out of the University of St Andrews, was alerted to the remains by a local resident, Ann Corrrance Monk.

With food and fuel poverty an issue in Mann and with last summer's warning from the foodbank about the problems for children from poorer households when there were no school meals I found this initiative on child welfare by the Irish Times of interest (see link below).

Tributes are being paid to Dr Brian Stowell, who sadly passed away yesterday at the age of 82. He was highly regarded for all of the work that he undertook for Manx language and culture. Speaker of the House of Keys (Manx: Yn Kiare as Feed), which is the directly elected branch of the parliament of the Isle of Man, Juan Watterson, praised him for bringing depth and meaning to the Manx language. He was praised for his contributions to the Celtic Congress and the Celtic League Mannin Branch hailed his linguistic work.

Pro Choice supporters in Mann have welcomed the introduction of Abortion law reform legislation but in Ireland where similar changes to allow abortion were introduced women are still having difficulty accessing the service

‘Rebel Telly’ reporter Madeleine Johansson talks to People before Profits Adrienne Wallace about the situation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=19&v=W1LwXV6xNLs

Bernard Moffatt

Celtic League

The Irish government's decision to licence oil exploration licences in the Celtic Sea has been condemned by political and environmental groups who say it conflict with commitments to climate change targets:

“According to People Before Profit’s Brid Smith, today’s decision to grant the licence contrasts badly with Mr Bruton’s “lofty rhetoric on climate change”.

I was saddened to hear of the death of Brian Stowell a great Manxmen and pivotal figure in the Manx language revival (report here from Manx Radio):

https://www.manxradio.com/…/loss-of-giant-of-manx-language…/

Brian was active for many years in a number of inter-celtic organisations including the Celtic League, the Celtic Congress and the Connolly Association.

The annual candle-lit, musical evening held in Holy Trinity Church in the parish of Patrick, has now become an established event on the Manx calendar, with entertainment provided by local early music group Hartes Ease.

Great article here on the legendary Irish singer Margaret Barry in the Irish Times. Margaret Barry started her singing career as a street singer in Ireland in the 1930s and ended up performing at the Newport festival with Joan Baez and Bob Dylan.

There was great passion in her singing as with the 'Cycling Championship of Ulster' often song at sessions in the Isle of Man by the Manx linguist, musician and singer Brian Stowell. Here’s a link to the real thing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuKZdM_NvBY

Manx Radio announces the arrival of its latest MD at what it describes as a ‘pivotal time for broadcasting’.

‘Give my head peace’ haven’t Tynwald just approved ‘John the Baptists’ (aka Tim Baker MHK) status quo resolution with the caveat that Chris Thomas MHK chase up the BBC for a bit of a rebate. Chris mind you on the charm front may just succeed - imagine sending Treasury Minister ‘Alfred C’ he would just shout at everyone!

Talks are underway to avert a strike by Nurses in the Irish Republic planned for the end of the month.

Government Ministers including the Taoiseach have been criticised by remarks they have made about the Nursing profession ahead of the strike.