Palestine Must Be Free

 A population greater than that of Belfast has been moving back to the northern Gaza strip following the ceasefire announcement last week. Awaiting them is utter destruction. The infrastructure of Gaza has been levelled by the Israeli state’s genocide. The return of the Gazans. is based on hope. Hope that humanitarian aid will arrive. Hope that the indiscriminate bombing by Israel and the deliberate slaughter of desperate, starving people at aid stations has stopped. Hope that the big powers – which have allowed this holocaust to go on for two years will ensure that this is a meaningful end to the war.

Liam Mellows and the Irish Revolution – ‘a Very Important Book’

I was very pleased to speak at the launch in Áras Uí Chonghaile last week of the latest edition of Desmond Greaves’ wonderful book, ‘Liam Mellows. And the Irish Revolution.’ Dr. Ruan O’Donnell, a Senior Lecturer in History, was instrumental in updating the book. Present also was Anthony and Muriel Coughlan. Anthony is Desmond Greaves literary executor. He is owed a debt of gratitude for his lifelong work on many issues, but especially the work of collating Desmond’s writings. 

Oireachtas na Samhna

Oireachtas na Samhna is coming to Belfast. The oldest Irish language festival in the country which celebrates an Ghaeilge, sean-nós music, dance, literature, recitation and even a rap music category - a sign of the times! Thousands of Gaeilgeoirí - families, children, young people and some older folk too, will gather in Belfast where the Oireachtas is being held for the first time since 1997. 

There will be lots of events, including competitions, book launches, conversations, live broadcasts and debates - all completely as Gaeilge.