Political History has been made in Norther Ireland.

All results for the Westminster General Election 2013 in Northern Ireland have been declared and it has been a truly momentous election.

Not only has Northern Ireland elected a majority of anti-Brexit MPs, it has also elected more Nationalist than Unionist MPs for the first time.

Results:

DUP 8

Sinn Féin 7

SDLP 2

Alliance 1

The political map has been changed dramatically.

Belfast North has had a unionist MP since partition. Now it along with two of the other 3 Belfast constituencies are in Nationalist control

This represents a siesmic shift in the political structure of this key area.

The Symbolism of Nigel Dodds’ defeat in North Belfast goes beyond his role as DUP Westminster leader - that seat has never been held by a nationalist before, and was once the seat of Edward Carson, the father of unionism and arguable creator of Northern Ireland itself. Belfast was the capital of that sectarian and loyalist "Protestant land for a Protestant people" regime. The North Belfast seat predates the partition of Ireland and for 124 years it had been held by a Unionist the last 18 of those by Nigel Dodds.

These results with both Scotland and NI returning a majority of Remain supporting MPs it would seem inevitable that this will lead to the end of the UK. Mike Nesbitt's statement on the BBC Election Special summed up the confusion and mood within Unionism to a Tee:

'My position is Brexit is Unionism's biggest ever own goal and the outcome may be the break-up of the Union'

The Scottish Referendum and the Irish Border Poll have been put to the top of the agenda by the combination of an uncompromising Tory leader and the election results in both regions.

We should all take a moment to appreciate just how badly DUP have played the last year. In March they had deal with a UK wide customs union & alignment GB/NI on European standards. Special status had been granted! As far as business and most of the public were concerned we were getting the best of both worlds. But history tells us that 'Special Status' is a dirty word in NI Politics.

They were kingmakers but blew it by taking a blinkered historically outdated stance on 'The Union'. Now they have deal they hate and, due to the Conservative majority returned they are powerless to influence any part of it moving forward.

So basically nothing really changed since the referendum. The election results have solidified the divides which already existed and as far as some hard line Tory Brexiteers are concerned Scotland have spoken and should have an independence referendum and Northern Ireland, that proverbial thorn in their side, has spoken and should move toward reunification.

In conclusion, on what has been a momentous day for NI Politics the election results have shown me that the people in Northern Ireland have started to step out of there comfort zones and that a growing majority do want genuine change and this makes me both happy and hopeful for the future!

Now some of our leaders have to show the same genuine inclusiveness by their words, actions and by whom they let be voices for their message.

'Carpe Diem!'

This week EPISODE 3 – THE ATTACKS BEGIN (S1/E12) – Outlines the beginning of hostilities as on February 12th 1920 attacks on the R.I.C and Black and Tans officially commenced.

Continuing the series of weekly Podcasts on the theme of - Guerrilla Days In Ireland - Recalling the experiences and actions of Tom Barry over the period of the Anglo-Irish War. It is wholly based on his personal memoirs which were written down in 1948 and published in 1949.

Tom Barry was born in Killorglin, County Kerry, the son of a former RIC officer who had become a shopkeeper. His family moved to County Cork in his youth, and he was educated for a period at Mungret College, County Limerick from 25 August 1911 to 12 September 1912. The reason for his short stay is indicated by a reference from the school register of the Apostolic School, Mungret College, ‘Went – Home (ran away) without knowledge of superiors – no vocation’.

“In June, in my seventeenth year, I had decided to see what this Great War was like. I cannot plead I went on the advice of John Redmond or any other politician, that if we fought for the British we would secure Home Rule for Ireland, nor can I say I understood what Home Rule meant. I was not influenced by the lurid appeal to fight to save Belgium or small nations. I knew nothing about nations, large or small. I went to the war for no other reason than that I wanted to see what war was like, to get a gun, to see new countries and to feel a grown man.”

In 1915, during World War I, he enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery at Cork and became a soldier in the British Army. He fought in Mesopotamia (then part of the Ottoman Empire, present day Iraq). He rose to the rank of sergeant. Barry was offered a commission in the Munster Fusiliers but refused it. While outside Kut-el-Amara Barry first heard of the Easter Rising.

On his return to Cork he was involved with ex-servicemen’s organisations. In 1920, Barry joined the 3rd (West) Cork Brigade of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) which was then engaged in the Irish War of Independence (1919–1921). He was involved in brigade council meetings, was brigade-training officer, flying column commander, was consulted by IRA General Headquarters Staff (GHQ), and also participated in the formation of the IRA First Southern Division. The West Cork Brigade became famous for its discipline, efficiency and bravery, and Barry garnered a reputation as the most brilliant field commander of the war.

Please tune in to our series of weekly Podcasts on the theme of - Guerrilla Days In Ireland - Recalling the experiences and actions of Tom Barry over the period of the Irish War of Independence. It is wholly based on his personal memoirs which were written down in 1948 and published in 1949.

This week EPISODE 3 – THE ATTACKS BEGIN (S1/E12) – Outlines the beginning of hostilities as on February 12th 1920 attacks on the R.I.C and Black and Tans officially commenced will be released on Thursday 12th December at 8.00am. 

Don't miss it!

Welcome to Irish Bard Corner available now across the following platforms;

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The Irish Bard Corner is aimed at promoting the Irish Bardic Tradition using the modern medium of Twitter.

In looking at both past and present influences on my life, some from my childhood and some from the present day I will attempt to analyse and comment on the literary and cultural incidents and developments which have shaped our Irish view of life in today's Ireland.

As I progress along this journey I hope that I might learn more about myself and my culture and how the past has influenced and shaped this island, its people and myself.

In doing so I hope you find my musings and episodes thought-provoking, possibly informative, sometimes educational but most of all entertaining.

Please share this PROMO and subscribe to The Irish Bard Corner wherever you listen to Podcasts. Follow and like the Podcast and join me on Twitter @IRLBardCorner to get regular updates.

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So until next time Slan and thankyou for listening.

CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS – EPISODE 1 – CANDLES OF ADVENT - (S1/E10)

There are a number of Christmas traditions unique to Ireland that are still followed today.

Many of these Irish Christmas customs have their roots in the time when the Gaelic culture and religion of the country were being suppressed, and it is perhaps because of that they have survived into modern times.

A CANDLE IN THE WINDOW:

The placing of a lighted candle in the window of a house on Christmas Eve is still practiced in Ireland today. It has a number of purposes but primarily, it was a symbol of welcome to Mary and Joseph as they travelled looking for shelter.

The candle also indicated a safe place for priests to perform mass during Penal Times as this was not allowed during that era.

A further element of the tradition is that the candle should be lit by the youngest member of the household and only be extinguished by a girl bearing the name 'Mary,' if possible. This was usually done on our return from ‘Midnight Mass’ having previously attended our family’s pre-mass Visitation. This was a custom in our family where there would be a party in the oldest living member of our family’s house prior to Midnight Mass. These family gatherings were possibly easier in times gone by, or at least they seemed to be because we all lived in the same rural and local village or town setting. Thinking back now it was really a celebration of sons and sometimes daughters returning home from work or even emigration to distant shores.

THE ADVENT WREATH:

The Advent wreath is a popular symbol of the beginning of the Church year in many churches. It is a circular evergreen wreath (real or artificial) with five candles, four around the wreath and one in the centre.

The circle of the wreath reminds us of God Himself, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that we have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life. Candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son. The four outer candles represent the period of waiting during the four Sundays of Advent, which themselves symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ.

The light of the candles  becomes an important symbol of the season. The light reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world that comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, life, and hope. As the candles are lit over the four week period, it also symbolizes the darkness of fear and hopelessness receding and the shadows of sin falling away as more and more light is shed into the world. The flame of each new candle reminds us that something is happening, and that more is yet to come. Finally, the light that has come into the world is plainly visible as the Christ candle is lighted at Christmas, and worshippers rejoice over the fact that the promise of long ago has been realised.

The first candle is traditionally the candle of Expectation or Hope. The centre candle is white and is called the Christ Candle. It is traditionally lighted on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, with all five candles continuing to be lighted in services through Epiphany (Jan 6). The central location of the Christ Candle reminds us that the arrival of Christ on earth is the heart of the season, giving light to the world.

This week EPISODE 2 – THE WEST CORK BRIGADE - gives us a unique insight into the psyche and motivation of the infamous West Cork Brigade.

Tom Barry was born in Killorglin, County Kerry, the son of a former RIC officer who had become a shopkeeper. His family moved to County Cork in his youth, and he was educated for a period at Mungret College, County Limerick from 25 August 1911 to 12 September 1912. The reason for his short stay is indicated by a reference from the school register of the Apostolic School, Mungret College, ‘Went – Home (ran away) without knowledge of superiors – no vocation’.

“In June, in my seventeenth year, I had decided to see what this Great War was like. I cannot plead I went on the advice of John Redmond or any other politician, that if we fought for the British we would secure Home Rule for Ireland, nor can I say I understood what Home Rule meant. I was not influenced by the lurid appeal to fight to save Belgium or small nations. I knew nothing about nations, large or small. I went to the war for no other reason than that I wanted to see what war was like, to get a gun, to see new countries and to feel a grown man.”

In 1915, during World War I, he enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery at Cork and became a soldier in the British Army. He fought in Mesopotamia (then part of the Ottoman Empire, present day Iraq). He rose to the rank of sergeant. Barry was offered a commission in the Munster Fusiliers but refused it. While outside Kut-el-Amara Barry first heard of the Easter Rising.

On his return to Cork he was involved with ex-servicemen’s organisations. In 1920, Barry joined the 3rd (West) Cork Brigade of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) which was then engaged in the Irish War of Independence (1919–1921). He was involved in brigade council meetings, was brigade-training officer, flying column commander, was consulted by IRA General Headquarters Staff (GHQ), and also participated in the formation of the IRA First Southern Division. The West Cork Brigade became famous for its discipline, efficiency and bravery, and Barry garnered a reputation as the most brilliant field commander of the war.

GUERILLA DAYS IN IRELAND 

Guerrilla Days In Ireland Is a series of Podcasts recalling the experiences and actions of Tom Barry over the period of the Irish War of Independence. It is wholly based on his memoirs which were written down in 1948 and published in 1949.

Tom Barry was born in Killorglin, County Kerry, the son of a former RIC officer who had become a shopkeeper. His family moved to County Cork in his youth, and he was educated for a period at Mungret College, County Limerick from 25 August 1911 to 12 September 1912. The reason for his short stay is indicated by a reference from the school register of the Apostolic School, Mungret College, ‘Went – Home (ran away) without knowledge of superiors – no vocation’.

“In June, in my seventeenth year, I had decided to see what this Great War was like. I cannot plead I went on the advice of John Redmond or any other politician, that if we fought for the British we would secure Home Rule for Ireland, nor can I say I understood what Home Rule meant. I was not influenced by the lurid appeal to fight to save Belgium or small nations. I knew nothing about nations, large or small. I went to the war for no other reason than that I wanted to see what war was like, to get a gun, to see new countries and to feel a grown man.”

In 1915, during World War I, he enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery at Cork and became a soldier in the British Army. He fought in Mesopotamia (then part of the Ottoman Empire, present day Iraq). He rose to the rank of sergeant. Barry was offered a commission in the Munster Fusiliers but refused it. While outside Kut-el-Amara Barry first heard of the Easter Rising.

On his return to Cork he was involved with ex-servicemen’s organisations. In 1920, Barry joined the 3rd (West) Cork Brigade of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) which was then engaged in the Irish War of Independence (1919–1921). He was involved in brigade council meetings, was brigade-training officer, flying column commander, was consulted by IRA General Headquarters Staff (GHQ), and also participated in the formation of the IRA First Southern Division. The West Cork Brigade became famous for its discipline, efficiency and bravery, and Barry garnered a reputation as the most brilliant field commander of the war.

Exploring The Meaning of The Triskele Symbol: 

Season 1 Episode 8:

Derived from the Greek word "Triskeles" meaning "three legs", the Triskele or Triple Spiral is a complex ancient Celtic symbol. Often referred to by many as a Triskelion, its earliest creation dates back to the Neolithic era, as it can be seen at the entrance of Newgrange, Ireland. The Triskele gained popularity in its use within the Celtic culture from 500BC onwards. This archaic symbol is one of the most convoluted to decipher as symbolists believe it is reflective of many areas of culture from the time.

Firstly, the triskele can be thought to represent motion as all three arms are positioned to make it appear as if it is moving outwards from its center. Movement, or motion, is believed to signify energies, in particular within this Celtic Symbol the motion of action, cycles, progress, revolution and competition.

Secondly, and the more challenging area for symbolists, is the exact symbolic significance of the three arms of the triskele. This can differ dependent on the era, culture, mythology and history, which is why there are so many variations as to what these three extensions in the triple spiral symbol mean.

Some of these connotations include: life-death-rebirth, spirit-mind-body, mother-father-child, past-present-future, power-intellect-love and creation-preservation-destruction to name but a few.

It’s thought that through the combination of these two areas we gain one meaning of the Celtic triskele. It is believed to represent a tale of forward motion to reach understanding. However, this is thought not to be the only meaning, as it is also believed to represent three Celtic worlds; the spiritual world, the present world and the celestial world. Like the ancient Trinity knot, the number 3 holds a special symbolism within the triskele.

The meaning of the triskele is diverse, varied and has many possibilities. This Celtic symbol is far more complex than others and has much prominence in modern day Celtic jewellery. Most notably as Celtic pendants, earrings, Irish charms or Celtic brooches.

Song of the Sea: Introduction

On the outskirts of the Continental world, the oral literature, handed down by many generations of bards and storytellers, was first written down in the monasteries.

In Ireland nearly all old manuscripts were destroyed during the Viking terror which burst upon the island at the end of the eighth century. But, from the eleventh century onward, we have an almost unbroken series of hundreds of manuscripts in which all that had escaped destruction was collected and arranged.

Many of the tales and poems thus preserved were undoubtedly originally composed in the eighth century; some few perhaps in the seventh.

As is most probably the case with Song of the Sea, by Rónán mac Colmáin. He was was an Irish poet who died 707 so this poem most likely dates from the late 7th Century, however new evidence has shown that it might to date from the 11th-century. The mystery remains…

We hope you enjoy…………………………

Song of the Sea:

A great tempest rages on the Plain of Ler,

bold across its high borders

Wind has arisen, fierce winter has slain us;

it has come across the sea,

It has pierced us like a spear.

When the wind sets from the east,

the spirit of the wave is roused,

It desires to rush past us westward to the land where sets the sun,

To the wild and broad green sea.

When the wind sets from the north,

it urges the dark fierce waves towards the southern world,

Surging in strife against the wide sky,

Listening to the witching song.

When the wind sets from the west across the salt sea of swift currents,

It desires to go past us eastward towards the Sun-Tree,

Into the broad long-distant sea.

When the wind sets from the south across the land of Saxons of mighty shields,

The wave strikes the Isle of Scit, it surges up to the summit of Caladnet,

And pounds the grey-green mouth of the Shannon.

The ocean is in flood, the sea is full,

delightful is the home of ships,

The wind whirls the sand around the estuary,

Swiftly the rudder cleaves the broad sea.

With mighty force the wave has tumbled

across each broad river-mouth,

Wind has come, white winter has slain us,

Around Cantire,

Around the land of Alba,

Slieve-Dremon pours forth a full stream.

Son of the God the Father, with mighty hosts,

save me from the horror of fierce tempests!

Righteous Lord of the Feast, only save me from the horrid

blast,

From Hell with furious tempest!

By Rónán mac Colmáin circa 7th Century

The Hosts of Faery - Introduction

This is from the tale called Laegaire mac Crimthainn’s Visit to the Fairy Realm of Mag Mell, the oldest copy of which is found in the Book of Leinster, of the twelfth century. To the Irish at the time, Magh Mell was one “otherworld.” It was the land of the unseen, usually separated from human life by water, a lake or an ocean, which by some means had to be crossed.

But this is not the only happy land of delight where immortally young beings could go. In tales dating from the eighth century at the very latest, a tribe of superhuman beings live in the fairy mounds. Namely, the Tuatha De Danann of the annals, the Folk of the Goddess Dana, who held the sovereignty of Ireland prior to the arrival of the sons of Mil. They are the fairies of the modern Irish, who still call them by the same name as did the story-teller of Connla a thousand years ago: the folk of the mound.

All of the poems in this series of Podcasts on 'The Poetry of Ancient Ireland' were inspired by translations from Old Irish into modern English carried out by Kuno Meyer over one hundred years ago a free online copy of which can be accessed at gutenberg press.