Alastair Kneale's blog

In 2017 the ancient remains of a Celtic woman buried in a coffin made from a hollowed out tree was discovered in Zurich, Switzerland. It is thought that she died about 2,200 years ago. Dressed in fine clothes and adorned with jewellery, it is clear she was someone of high standing. Since the discovery  work has been undertaken by the city of Zurich's archaeology department to discover more about this Iron Age Celtic woman's life in 200 BC.

News from Celtic League:

Dalkey Island in Ireland is an uninhabited island located c. 16 km (9.9 mi) south of Dublin and 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Dún Laoghaire harbour. This item from the Celtic League (below) following an article in Green News, reports on some success in the fortunes for the Arctic Tern in its Celtic breeding grounds. With its long tail streamers and general shape the Arctic tern is often known as the 'sea swallow'. 

 'TRIUMPH OF THE TERN’ - A GOOD NEWS STORY

These days there is much concentration on the issue of climate change. The main debate now is focused on the issue of Global Warming and the current warming of the Earth's climate being due to human activities. However, research of geological records going back millions of years, have indicated that there have been a large number of variations in the Earth’s climate. A variety of natural factors have caused this, including the Earth’s orbit, changes in the sun, volcanoes and CO2 levels.

In celebration of The International Year of Indigenous Languages 2019 and the Manx Gaelic language, Isle of Man Post Office (Manx: Oik Postagh Ellan Vannin) recently produced a presentation pack of six stamps. The issue also coincides with the 120th anniversary of the Manx Language Society (Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh) and is produced in conjunction with Culture Vannin and  Manx artist Mary Cousins.  Details can be found on the Isle of Man Post Office website.

Isle of Man Post Office (Manx: Oik Postagh Ellan Vannin) have issued a set of stamps called 'The Age of Rebellion'. They remember events that unfolded in the seventeenth century and feature Manx hero Illiam Dhone. Illiam Dhone (14 April 1608 - 02 January 1663) also known as William Christian was a Manx politician and patriot. For his part in the Manx rising of 1651 he was executed by firing squad at Hango Hill in the Isle of Man on 2nd January 1663.

Media release from the Celtic League:

Celtic League call for international  negotiation to resolve Rockall dispute

News from the Celtic League:

The Celtic League has called for international negotiation in regard to the Rockall fishing dispute:

CELTIC LEAGUE CALLS FOR INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATION TO RESOLVE ROCKALL DISPUTE

There has been some comment in the press recently about threats to those fishing within the area of Rockall. Rockall is an uninhabitable granite isle and is the eroded rump of an extinct volcano  located in the north of the Atlantic Ocean. It stands to a height of about 56.3ft ( 17.15 m), is some 80ft (25 m) wide and is 100ft ( 31 m) long at its base. The United Kingdom claimed Rockall in 1955 and incorporated it as a part of Scotland in 1972.

Recently Transceltic published an article on the history of the founding of Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and its founder William Hillary (4 January 1771 – 5 January 1847). The bravery of the volunteer crew of lifeboats can never be underestimated. Motivated by the selfless aim to save lives, the RNLI has saved some 140,000 lives since its foundation, at a cost of more than 600 lives lost in service.

News from the Celtic League: