Bridge of the Gaels (2015)
2015 | Ireland | 90 mins | PAL | Colour + B&W | 16:9
‘Droichead na nGael’ (Bridge of the Gaels) is a unique event, that took place on the legendary island of Iona, bringing together representatives from the Gaelic speaking nations of Ireland and Scotland to share in a dialogue of shared language, heritage, spirituality and culture in the year that marked the 1,450th anniversary of the founding of Iona Abbey.
Le linn Iúil 2013, gairmeadh Gaeil chun oileán ársa Í chun droichead do thógáil idir an Náisiún Gaelach pé áit áit ina bhfuilid scaipithe ar fuaid an domhain, trí áireamh is cúntas do thabhairt ar a stair, a dteanga, a spioradálthacht, a gcruthaitheacht, is a n-oidhreacht fónta ar ócáid cheiliúradh 1450 bliain ar chéad theacht Cholmcille chun an Oileáin.
B’é Peadar Ó Riada agus Iontaoibheas Fódhla a ghairm an ócáid le cúnamh ó ‘Colmcille – Éire is Alba’ agus Pobal Í. I láthair bhí aíonna ó dhá eite an Náisiúin Ghaelaigh ó Éirinn agus Albain; ina measc bhí ionadaithe Spioradáltha is Poiblí, Filí is Ceoltóirí, Amhránaithe is Córacha agus Uachtarán na hÉireann.
In July, 2013, the Gaels of Ireland and Scotland were called together to bridge the globally scattered Gaelic Nation of today, by bearing witness to their shared history, language, spirituality, creativity and heritage on the occasion of the celebration of the 1,450th anniversary of Colmcille’s first landing on the sacred Isle of Iona.
The occasion was organised by Peadar Ó Riada and the Fódhla Foundation trust, with the support of Colmcille-Éirinn is Alba and the Iona Community. Both wings of the Gaelic Nations of Ireland and Scotland were present at the gathering, including representatives of the poets and musicians, spiritual and public leaders, singers and choirs, all in the presence of the President of Ireland.
The occasion includes presentations, performances and talks in Irish (Gaeilge), Scottish Gaelic (Gaidhlig) and English commemorating and exploring the rich cultural, historical, spiritual and creative connections between Ireland and Scotland, with special emphasis on the role of Colmcille. The event itself entitled ‘Droichead na nGael’ was organized by Peadar Ó Riada with support from Colmcille – Éirinn Is Alba and the Iona Community. The event included a diversity of prominent figures from both countries and traditions including:
- Irish President Michael D. Higgins,
- Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Culture & External Affairs – Fiona Hyslop
- Mike Russel MSP
- Irish Ambassador to the UK Robert McDonagh
- Peadar Ó Riada
- Poets; Aonghas Phádrag Caimbeul, Aonghas Mac Neacail and Ciarán Carson
- Singers – Flora MacNeil and Josie Sheáin Jeaic Mac Donncha
- Historian – Dómhnall Ó hÉalaithe
- Spiritual representatives including Rev. Peter McDonald, Bishop Brendan Leahy, Rev. Dr. Gilleasbuig Macmillan, Rev. Gary Hastings, Canon James McNeil, Prior Christopher Clarke & Rev. Joanna Anderson. The Abbey service also included performances by Cór Chúil Aodha and The Gaelic Long Psalm Singers.
Leiriú le chuid / A Production of ANÚ PICTURES
Le Maoiniú ó / Made with the support of
Agus Le Maoiniú Léiriúchán ó Údarás Craolacháín Na hÉireann agus RTÉ
/ & Made with Production support of The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and RTÉ
For further info on the event visit: http://droicheadnangael.ie
For further info. on Peadar Ó Riada and his music and work visit: www.peadaroriada.ie
For further info. on Ioantaoibheas Fódhla visit: http://iontaoibheasfodhla.ie
For further info. on The Iona Community visit: www.iona.org.uk
For further info. on Colmcille – Éirinn is Alba and their work visit: http://www.colmcille.net
View Excerpts from the day long celebrations on our Vimeo Channel:
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