Creeslough will host the Niall Mac Giolla Bhrighde Commemoration Festival this weekend between May 16-18th.
Niall Mac Giolla Bhrighde was a farmer, a poet, an author and a songwriter who lived in An Fhaiche Mhór, An Craoslach from 1861 – 1942.
In March 1905, Mac Giolla Bhrighde was fined for having his name in Irish on his cart and on a point of principle decided against paying it. Details of the case became known to Patrick Pearse who decided to represent Mac Giolla Bhrighde in the case, pro bono. It was the only case that Pearse ever took in a court of law and despite the fact they lost it added momentum to the Irish language movement in the country.
Later, Patrick Pearse wrote in An Claidheamh Soluis, he said: “…. It was in effect decided that the Irish is a foreign language on the same level with Yiddish…”
Doctor Seosamh Ó Ceallaigh will officially open the festival at 7 o’clock in The Hub, An Craoslach, May 16. A questions and answers session will take place after and refreshments will be provided.
On Saturday, May 17, there will be a music and singing session in the Hub from 6.30pm. This will be followed by a sketch titled ‘An Sceitse nár Scríobhadh’ from Aisteoirí Ghaoth Dobhair. To end the evening there will be a showing of ‘An Trucailín Donn’.
On Sunday, May 18, an oration will take place at the graveside of Niall Mac Giolla Bhrighde in Doe Cemetery. There will be a display from two marching bands on the day.
Organisers would very much enjoy your presence during the course of the weekend.
The festival is organised by Donegal County Council, the Creeslough Community Association and LPT Thuaisceart Dhún na nGall. The Creative Ireland Programme has granted funding for this event.
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