Alastair Kneale's blog

The last races of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) 2018 were completed today. Results of the races can be viewed on the Isle of Man TT website.  From the date the qualifying rounds commenced on 26th May until the races ended on 8th June, the island has enjoyed brilliant dry and sunny conditions. This has allowed for some of the fastest times ever recorded in one of the world's greatest motorsport events. The International Isle of Man TT Race was first held on the Island in 1907.

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE:

Spanish politics have featured a lot on the Celtic League Mannin Branch Facebook pages because there are a number of peoples in Spain with aspirations for independence, just like we in the Celtic nations ourselves. At the forefront of the nations aspiring for independence are the Catalans and the Basques.

The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) 2018 road racing event is underway on the Isle of Man (Mannin). This week the qualifying rounds have been taking place on the 37.73 mile public road course, with the races scheduled to commence on Saturday 2nd June to Friday 8th June. Described as the world's ultimate road race, no other motorcycle race is held on such a challenging track as the Isle of Man Mountain Course. There is little to rival the skill, bravery and concentration levels needed to race in the TT.

News from The Manx Wildlife Trust - Treisht Vanninagh Y Doogys Feie:

The Manx Wildlife Trust (Manx: Treisht Vanninagh Y Doogys Fei) has announced that naturalist and writer Mark Crooker will be appearing at the Centenery Centre in Peel (Manx: Ynnyd Keead Blein ayns Purt ny h-Inshey). He will be talking about and signing copies of his new book Our Place.  There will be a discussion about wildlife, conservation and environmental protection

Australia is home to one of the largest Celtic Diasporas in the world. With substantial emigration from countries such as Cornwall, Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man, Wales and Brittany approximately half of its population can lay claim to Celtic roots. The Celtic Council of Australia is an important organisation in bringing together those from the various Celtic societies. Since its formation the Celtic Council has encouraged Celtic activities, including establishing the Australian Standing Stones at Glen Innes, achieved along with the local community of the town.

News from the Celtic League:

The placing of a giant ‘NO’ sign by campaigners opposed to abortion in Ireland on the side of Ben Bulben mountain has prompted protest from the Ireland's National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

The sign is 100 foot high and made out of plastic cladding. It has been erected with the landowners permission.

News from the Celtic League:

One of the consequences of the UK Brexit is that the UK Nuclear industry will separate its functions from Euratom that regulates safety standards across Europe in conjunction with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

A year ago UK energy officials were suggesting that the new bilateral arrangements with IAEA would see the nuclear industry have standards set at a higher bar than the current IAEA/Euratom provisions (link - Reuters report September 2017).

News from the Celtic League:

Sellafield are in the dock again over Health and Safety issues although the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) statement gives little away about the nature of this new omission - although it apparently involves staff contamination in an area handling ‘special nuclear materials’.

ONR say they are tight lipped for ‘legal reasons’.

Its worrying to communities around the Irish Sea that the plants safety is once again under scrutiny:

ONR statement in full below:

“ONR to prosecute Sellafield Ltd

11 May, 2018

News from the Celtic League:

As the Isle of Man government were given the go ahead by Tynwald to secure the sealink to the United Kingdom via a purchase of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company a new fast craft sea link between the Celtic countries was also secured.

The Irish Times this week reported on the new ‘Dublin Swift’ HSS which  entered service last month and will link Dublin Port with Holyhead in Wales - a sailing of just two hours:

News from the Celtic League:

The value of the Council of Europe (CoE) and its statements are called into question in this report on BBC Northern Ireland:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-44116786