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Mayor Charlie Casey launched Súil Charad a wonderful exhibition of Irish language community publications from the 18th Century to the present day.
The exhibition A Friend’s Eye takes its title from the Irish saying ‘Is maith an scathán súil charad’ ‘A friend’s eye is a good mirror’, a friend will tell you how it is.
Séimí MacAindreasa Development Officer with POBAL who researched the materials said it was hoped that the exhibition would celebrate the Irish language community’s long and varied history with the written word. While much has been written about books and manuscripts in the Irish language, this exhibition and accompanying booklet honours the newsletters, magazines and papers produced by communities. These publications were produced by the community for the community with an understanding of the importance of the printed word in developing language communities.
The Mayor welcomed the exhibition to the new performance space in Newry Library. He said it was a magnificent display that recorded the pioneering work of Irish language speakers to communicate with developing language communities, from the earliest publication Bolg an tSolair in 1795 to on-line newspapers, blogs, news sites of today that link the Irish speaking community across the world.
MacDhaibhéid, a Trustee of Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail and a leading light in Newry Gaelic League outlined the involvement of local activists in Irish language publications, both historically and those currently breaking new ground in Irish language communications including Tomaí Rua Ó Conghaile from Killeavey, radio and television star, editor of *Nos and journalist with Nuacht24 and Clonduff man, Ciarán Dunbar, who is the editor Gaelscéal the Irish language newspaper.
Séamas shared some wonderful examples of Irish publications, that will be housed in the archive of the Gaeláras when it opens next year, with the audience. These printed materials, many of which were produced locally marked the progressive and radical language community that were in the vanguard of developing language communities in the area.
POBAL have also developed a pack for schools to accompany the exhibition. Súil Charad will run in Newry Library until 28 October and all are welcome to enjoy this superb bilingual exhibition.
