Introduction

Irish History in particular is fascinating. Every single type of human problem has

been reflected in the story of Ireland from the beginning of time right up to the

present. Of special interest is the centuries long conflict from 1169 to modern times

between Ireland and her colonial experiences with Britain. The Irish struggle for

independence has always attracted worldwide interest and empathy. As a result of

the Irish War of Independence 1920-1921, Britain asked for a truce and the

resulting Treaty between England and Dáil Éireann resulted in the setting up of a

more or less, Independent State in the twenty-six counties. This was a major blow

to Imperial Rule and as predicted by Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson, (later

assassinated by the order of Michael Collins); it led to the disintegration of the

British Empire and eventually to all other empires also.

The Irish Language is of interest also. It is the oldest written language in Western

Europe and the ancestral language of possibly one hundred million people of Irish

descent scattered throughout the entire world. It is a very beautiful poetic

language and probably one of the finest in the world for expressing ideas and

various shades of thought. It suffered much during the British Occupation. It had no

status in Law and, as happened in the case of Welsh and Scottish Gaelic, official

pressures led to the decline of the language. However, a movement starting in 1891

with the foundation of Conradh na Gaeilge led to a revival and the work of re-

establishing the Irish Language has continued through the decades up to the

present.

It is very difficult to destroy any language or culture, conversely it is also extremely

difficult to bring about a revival, it cannot be achieved in a short period of time. If

one considers that for 700 years the British Government through its various policies

tried to wipe out Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish and failed to do the work

completely, it is very obvious that total restoration would take a considerable

period of time, but great progress has been made.

In the Irish Republic, we have a least reached a situation where every person who

has gone through the School System understands some Irish and can speak it to a

greater or lesser extent. Gaelscoileanna (all Irish Schools where all subjects are

taught through Irish) are now to be found in almost every town and city suburb in

Ireland. Even in Belfast, which is still part of the British administrative area, there

are now 8 all Irish Schools and that includes a Secondary or Second Level School. In

a city like Cork, population 150,000), there are now 16 all Irish Schools attended by

3,500 children. There is an all-Irish radio station - Radio na Gaeltachta and an Irish

Medium Television Channel - TG4.

Never before has there been more interest in Irish Culture throughout the entire

world. Irish music and dancing is now widely accepted and respected. A time will

come when the Irish Language will be accepted throughout the world, not just as a

means of communication but as a valuable cultural asset. Ireland's struggle for

Independence politically and culturally over a period of 700 years is a remarkable

story and can give encouragement to all oppressed victims and minorities

throughout the world.

My services are available as a Lecturer, Writer and also to undertake historical

research on any particular episode in Irish history. As a result of our historical

experiences, there are those in Ireland who have not fully liberated themselves

from 'the slave mind'. They seem to apologise for the heroes and patriots, who,

down through the centuries, took a stand on behalf of Irish Independence, a

Republican Form of Government and the pursuit of a Just Social Order. I make no

such apology!

Beidh áthas orm cabhrú leat in aon slí agus is feidir.