Write a commentThe Chapel Street Irish Language centre, Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail, will be the venue for a convention of visiting Gaelic Literature academics. The theme for the week-long event, 18th-22nd July, will be the local connections with acclaimed Donegal author, Seosamh Mac Grianna. In the summer of 1925, when Omeath was still a vibrant Gaeltacht area (the last of such to survive in the entire province of Leinster)
Mac Grianna spent time teaching in Coláiste Bhríde and researching the work of local poets from the 18th century – Séamas Dall Mac Cuarta, Peadar Ó Doirnín, Art Mac Cumhaigh and Cathal Buí Mac Giolla Ghunna. Furthermore, he found inspiration for his own writings in the lore and traditions of Armagh, Down and Louth and used this material in his subsequent publications. This is the first of what is hoped will be an annual summer school event of this nature for local Gaelic literature enthusiasts. The symposium will be comprised of four distinct components –
Small group seminars led by Seán Mac Labhraí, which will explore in depth extracts of Mac Grianna’s short stories and novels, as well as his lesser known journalistic, historical and travel writings,
Lectures by visiting academics (Download programme below),
Evening cultural events and excursions
Free entry to exhibition of books and photographs relating to Seosamh Mac Grianna and the Oriel area.
Registration for the entire event costs £100 and that includes all the above. Numbers are limited to 20 for registration but larger lectures are open to all with a request for a £5 cover charge to defray expenses. Morning sessions include seminars and lectures and run from 10.00 until 12.00, afternoon from 2.00 until 4.00 and evening beginning at 7.00p.m.
The Newry Branch of Conradh na Gaeilge, Craobh an Iúir, are very enthusiastic about this event as it will expand and develop provision for the local Gaelic literature and language community and will be the first significant Irish language literary festival involving the Branch since their celebration of the life of Newry author Séamus Mac Conmara some years ago.
The line-up of visiting lecturers is especially impressive and includes Professor Emeritus, Nollaig Mac Congáil of National University of Ireland, Galway who has published extensively on the work of Mac Grianna, Donegal native speakers Dr. Róise Ní Bhaoill and Noel Ó Gallchóir and several other distinguished academics from Belfast and Dublin in addition to local experts Dr. Gearóid Trimble and Éamonn Ó hUallacháin. Places on the course are limited and those interested are advised to enrol early to avoid disappointment. All inquiries to –
Seán Mac Labhraí, 07815 089931, seanrua1959@gmail.com
