The residents of Arbory parish in the Isle of Man celebrate Laa Columb Killey towards the end of June rather than on the 9th as in Ireland or Scotland. This year, there is a special programme to mark the 1,500th anniversary of the saint’s birth. Jeebin, the Manx Language Network, is working with Arbory School to create resources which help show the parish’s strong history with Manx.
Culture Vannin has developed an artistic response to Colmcille1500. Aalin Clague, a Manx speaker and teacher at Bunscoill Ghaelgagh has composed a choral anthem Y Folliaght (The Secret) A poem attributed to Colmcille inspired Marie Clague who wrote the lyrics.
The anthem – Y Folliaght (The Secret) – talks of Columba’s journey across the seas, marvelling at the new sights and sounds, in the world around him. A recording of the Manx Gaelic choir Caarjyn Cooidjagh has been made by Ballagroove Recording Studio. You can hear the anthem and read the lyrics here. It will be released with a video featuring beautiful imagery of the Isle of Man very soon on www.culturevannin.im
The Manx Language Network’s Gaelg21 is a celebration of all things Manx (9 June-9 July) and is also a contribution to Colmcille1500.
Find out more about Gaelg21 here.
