Bathing in the well of culture

SOME of the brightest talent from West Kerry was on display at Oireachtas na Samhna – the largest annual gathering of Irish language speakers which was held in the City West Hotel in Dublin last week.

An Oireachtas offers a chance for Irish speakers from the four corners of the country to meet and immerse themselves in the language and Gaeltacht culture. By sheer virtue of the numbers of people attending, the Oireachtas can no longer be held in Gaeltacht areas and is now held in large conference centres around the country.

During the weekend there were book launches, displays of the skills of sean-nós singing, dancing, storytelling and recitation and, most of all, there was an opportunity to mingle in the congenial atmosphere. From early in the weekend the keepers of the flame of Corca Dhuibhne Irish were central to the activities. Eibhlín Bn Uí hIalralithe launched her new book and CD ‘Orla Uan sa Chathair’, the latest in a series of childrens books that follow the exploits of Orla the sheep from Marthain. And Feothanach author Máirín Uí Shé launched her new book ‘Orchiste Nollag’ a detailed account of Christmas traditions in Corca Dhuibhne.

Meanwhile in the Oireachtas competitions, where only the best succeed, Corca Dhuibhne jounalists, singers and storytellers were recognised as among the best in the land. RTE and TG4 journalist Tomás Ó Mainín was named ‘Iriseoir na Bliana’, with his fellow Ballyferriter broadcaster Sinéad Ní hUallacháin nominated for ‘Pearsa Raidió na Bliana’. In the Irish language film and TV categories, the film about the Camino journey made by four West Kerry men, ‘Iomramh an Camino’ was awarded best film and the television series ‘Baidóirí’ by West Kerry based Aniar TV won the award for television series of the year.

Meanwhile, Sláine Ní Chathallain took first place in the prestigious under 35 ladies sean-nós singing competition, while Ciara de Mordha from Baile ’n Fheirtearaigh was in second place. In the junior compeitions the Ó hÓgáin family from Dún Chaoin were outstanding with Liam, Sibéal, Roisín and Ruairí winning prizes.

The Oireachtas, which was first held in 1897, is over for another year and the Irish speaking community have returned to the four corners of Ireland after a weekend at the well of genuine Irish culture.

Photo: Seán Ó Mainnín Eibhlín Uí Iarlaithe, author, with Sibéal and Lochlainn Ó hIarlaithe looking suitably fierce for Halloween, at the launch of the book ‘Orla Uan sa Chathair’ during the Oireachtas.

Gaisce chlann Uí Ógáin, Dún Chaoin. Ó chlé: Ruairí Ó hÓgáin (1 áit Dreas Cainte faoi 15); Róisín (1 áit Aithriseoireacht Faoi 9); Liam 2 áit Aithriseoireacht faoi 16) agus Sibéal (1 áit Aithriseoireacht faoi 16).