Ruairí Óg GAA, Cushendall will play host to this year’s Éigse na nGlinntí on 28th and 29th June. The culture and language festival is supported by Foras na Gaeilge and is the result of co-work between Irish language groups in north Antrim.
This year’s programme focuses on Sorcha NicLochlainn’s research into old songs of Rathlin and the Glens as well as the life and work of Seán MacMaoláin of Glenariff. There will be talks, an Irish class, books for sale, a singing workshop and Glens Comhaltas Friday night trad session will be in the Clubrooms. See full programme and details at www.glinnti.net/eigse2024 & facebook.com/eigsenanglinnti
Irish is the language of the festival, so you can try out your ‘cúpla focal’. The talks themselves will be in English. Deirdre Goodlad is the Oifigeach Forbartha (development officer) working for groups in North Antrim. ‘I’m originally from Tyrone, but I love the Glens history and heritage around Irish language. There’s just so much of it. And I hope the Éigse will bring some of that to life for the weekend and of course, that people will come along and show their support and passion for it.’
One particular aspect of the Éigse will be the display of some of the collection of Black & White aerial maps of Rathlin Island showing over 400 place-names collected many years ago. Discovering and learning about field-names and place-names is a very popular pass-time these days. A direct link to the land and language all around us, seen in our club names and in our townlands. People are keen to make sure that these things don’t get lost. The place-names of Rathlin resonate across the Glens with strong influences of Gaeilge and Gàidhlig to be found – the translations can lead to lively debate!
Gaeil Ruairí Óg agus Gaeil na nGlinntí is the Irish language community group in Cushendall. They are supported by their local Ruairí Óg GAA and each week there are classes, youth programmes and a very popular toddler group. More information about Éigse na nGlinntí and other Irish language activities, events and classes across the Glens can be found on www.glinnti.net