Maolcholaim Scott

A great number of events have been organised throughout Ireland and Scotland as part of Colmcille 1500. We are delighted to report that the Colmcille programme of Foras na Gaeilge has given commissions to a range of artists in Ireland and Scotland to ensure that the commemoration will have an enduring legacy.

Talking of the the song she composed as part of the series of commissions, Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin said “There is a link between Ireland and Scotland, both arts and work, right and wrong. There are also the themes of peace, exile and his stand with the artists of his day both poets and visual artists”. The song ‘Colm Bán na Síochána’ can be heard as part of the video ‘Coinneal Cholmclle’ Colm Bán na Síochána by Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin

Scottish poet and singer Marcas Mac an Tuairneir will present a series of multimedia poetry videos in Scottish, Irish and Manx Gaelic.

Marcas Mac an Tuairneir – Óran na Cille

Custal y Lewin – Arrane ny Killey

Ben Ó Ceallaigh – Amhrán na Cille

Rachel Walker – Óran na Cille

Isla Callister – Arrane ny Killey

Blaithín Mhic Cana -Amhrán na Cille

Among the projects coming as part of the Colmcille 1500 series of commissions are:

• A Poster of Ireland and Scotland featuring key places linked to Colmcille produced by Seek Design, which will be avaiable with the Irish Times ón the birthday of Colmcille, the 7th December.
• A Novel for teenagers entitled Colm Cille, by Feargal Ó Bearra.
• A Sculpture based on the Book of Kells by artisit John McCarron, which will be unveiled on the Feast of Colmcille, the 9th June 2022.
• An art film in Scottish and Irish Gaelic by Déirdre Ní Mhathúna on the Gaelic psalm singing tradition in the Western Isles.
• A Multimedia production from the renowned Armagh Rhymers, featuring a bell in the medieval style.
• Radio documentary Colm Cille: Cosantóir na mBan (Protector of Women). Broadcaster Áine Ní Bhreisleáin will discuss a very interesting aspect of the heritage of Colm Cille with historians and folklorists. To be broadcast on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta on the 29 December at 2pm – available here – Protector of Women
• Musician composition and multimedia production by the harper and composer Úna Monaghan in collaboration with some of the best Irish and Scottish artists.

As part of the Colmcille 1500 commemorations, a number of commissions will be awarded to artists from Ireland and Scotland, as recently advertised on social media. These awards are for work in any artistic medium addressing an aspect of the heritage of St Colmcille or Columba and the relationship between the Gaelic-speaking communities of Ireland and Scotland. The commissions are for those working in Irish or Scottish Gaelic or, in the case of non-verbal arts, in with communities of Gaelic speakers. It is anticipated that the value of the commissions will be between €2,500 and €15,000 (or the sterling equivalent) depending on the concept, the link with St Colmcille and with Scottish and Irish Gaelic. If you have a project in mind, please contact colmcille@forasnagaeilge.ie. The deadline for applications from Ireland (north or south) is the 10th September 2021, and for applications from Scotland, the 15 September 2021 An application form is available here.

There is an long-term campaign to grow Slí Cholmcille in Donegal and Derry as a long-distance walk after the pattern of the Camino de Santiago de Compostella between France and Spain.

The Slí has a great deal to offer. There are many places in Donegal from Gleann Cholmcille to Tory and Gartan which have strong associations with Colmcille or Columba, the great saint shared by Ireland, Scotland and the north of England. Long-distance walking is becoming popular both as a spiritual journey, and as a means of connecting with the natural landscape.

This year, as last, COVID will limit the number of people taking part, but a band of people will set out on the 4th July to walk 270 km from Gleann Cholm Cille to Derry over twelve days taking in finishing at Shroove in Inishowen. On the way, they will visit the old monastic settlement in Tory, the saint’s birthplace at Gartan, the old monastic site of Raphoe, and the high cross at Ray, the tallest and oldest ringed cross in Ireland.

A preliminary walk has already taken place in June from Donegal town to Gleann Cholmcille, linking the Columban heritage of south-east Donegal and places like Drumhome and Disert with the rest of the Slí. There will again be a walk from Donegal to Disert on the 3rd July.

The Colmcille 1500 programme marks 1500 years since the birth of Colmcille or Columba, and it is hoped that the camino-style walk will grow as a long-term legacy. Considerable planning and liaison is underway, and the working group includes representation from different churches and from walkers and community groups.

This year the number of participants is capped at 30. For further details of the itinerary and to register to walk please contact maureenwcurran@yahoo.ie