It is little known and appreciated fact that the Irish Language (Gaeilge) is the second oldest language in Europe. Japanese business appreciated the wealth of culture and knowledge that was ready to be unlocked within its folds. Hand in hand with investments in computer technology and manufacturing during the 1970’s they undertook the study of the Irish language – so much so that at one point there were more Japanese adult students of Gaelic than there were Irish adult students. But that has changed now and the Irish Language is enjoying a strong and vibrant revitalization, particularly amongst the young. Gone now is the reluctance to show and interest in the tabernacle of the culture. Gone now is the shame…and fast disappearing is the indifference that for many years, saw and considered the language as an unnecessary and useless burden in life.
In its place is a growing pride in the richness that is to be found in the wellspring of the culture. Slowly but surely the role of the language and the inspiration it provided to luminaries like Yeats, Joyce, Shaw, Lady Gregory, O’Casey, Beckett, Behan andothers is dawning on modern artists. Young people today in Ireland are proudly realizingthat the language is the key to the Gaelic identity, to the storytelling, the music, the dance, the hospitality, the sports and the theatre. And the influence of the present. Gaelic revival has inspired an awesome project that promises to become a great artisticand memorable theatrical adventure. The emphasis of our organization is on the Irish language and projects designed to gather together support on land and sea in Ireland…and abroad in all lands where Celts are to be found…in order to restore Irish as the spoken language.
An Claidheamh Soluis / Gaelic Adventure, El Jobean ( ACSGAEL) is pleased and excited to announce that it has acquired the use of a 36’ Angelman Ketch, “Asgard Abu”, made of Honduran mahogany to accompany a traditionally built Irish Currach, Naomhog class, on a Trans-Atlantic crossing to Ireland. In preparation for the crossing the ketch is being restored and will embark on an odyssey that will parallel and match in a different form that of the “Asgard”. In 1914 on their ketch, “Asgard” the Childers ran guns into Ireland to provide arms for the heroic establishment of Poblacht na h-Eireann, Proclaimed on Easter Monday, 1916 by a Provisional Government of artists and poets. The Asgard Abu, upon this crossing, is honored to bring moral and physical support to complete this historic task begun in 1916.
A different cargo this time, perhaps, but one no less necessary to achieve a national identity. The voyage will be symbolic of the quest for freedom yet to be completed by the successors of the women, men and youth who valiantly fought and died to create a nation~
”Not merely Free but Gaelic as well~Not merely Gaelic but Free as well”.
The immortal words of Padraic Mac Piarais take on a poignant meaning in the Gaelic expression or slogan~ “Tir gan Teangan ~ Tir gan Anam….A land without its own language is a land without its soul”. Once realized that the Irish Language was removed systematically from 4/5ths of the People of Ireland in an 80 year period, then it can be certainly be restored within the same time frame or less. Because practically the entire population of Eire has received considerable formal educational exposure to the Gaelic language, there remains little to be done which a strong national will cannot realize.
And the reward is great.
Whereas in the past one language extinguished another, this time the nation and the world will not lose one language but, rather, gain another. It is to give a boost to the efforts of those who have steadfastly kept their eyes on the prize, that we undertake this venture.
An Claidheamh Soluis / Gaelic Adventure, El Jobean (ACSGAEL) is rowing a traditional Irish Currach of the Naomhog class around Florida on the Inter-Coastal Waterway coming ashore every 10 to 20 miles to engage in cultural outreach, performing Irish music, dance and theatre with the intention of consolidating support networks which will continue long after we have completed our journey. Then up the Eastern Seaboard to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia where we will invite supporters to join us in a Mawio’mi / Meithal (Gathering) culminating in a regatta of small craft featuring handmade indigenous boat from around the globe…
and then…Onward, with escort ships…across the Atlantic to Ireland. We are learning seamanship through the medium of the Irish language. Padraic o Dunin,, master currach builder of Meithal Mara Boatworks, County Cork, Ireland with the assistance of the Brave Hearted Woman Theatre Company built the currach, naomhog… and Padraic, himself, expects to be there to prepare for and participate in the journey across the Atlantic.
Crews for the escort will be chosen from among those who participate in the work. Others will be considered, specifically, for the crew of the naomhog. A minimum of ten members will crew the two crafts. It will be the primary task of the of the escort to provide security for An Claidheamh Soluis.
Upon landfall in Ireland both crafts will participate in a meithal mara, abhann, loch agus tir ar son an Gaeilge ~joint venture by sea, river, lake and land for the restoration of the Irish Language. Traditional currachs will circumnavigate Irland in both directions, making land each day in communities to spend the night and exchange ideas and gather information on how to proceed with restoring the language as the vernacular. At the same time, groups will traverse Ireland on foot or by river, lake and canal, stopping each day in villages and communities in the same manner as at the sea ports.
Each evening gathering will end in poetry, song, music and dance in a traditional gathering. At the end, a great Lughnasa celebration will come together in a long weekend of study~to energize the nation for the coming years’ work. In this manner, ACSGAEL intend to show our support and keep faith with those who have gone before and contributed so much that we might survive as a nation.
ACSGAEL will strive to raise the funds necessary for the restoration and the voyage. We are seeking sponsorships, donations and volunteers to assist and provide safe passage. All are requested to participate in the endeavor to the extent that they can.
Brian o h-Eachtuigheirn, Stiurtheoir
Alexis Frees, Secretary
An Claidheamh Soluis /Gaelic Adventure
El Jobean, Florida USA
2009
