A new cultural and heritage centre has opened in Moate Westmeath thanks to community involvement.
Dún na Sí heritage centre is the first venue of its kind in the midlands. Built by CCÉ (Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann) in partnership with an AnCO (An Chomhairle Oiliúna, the national training organisation), and with help from local volunteers. The Teach Ceoil opened four years ago and a folk village is included in the next phase of construction.
Taking our traditions a step further, is the aim and motto of Dún na Sí’s organising committee. This extends to building projects which are carried out using traditional methods,
Seanbhealaí ár sinsear.
The vision was to construct a centre for traditional music, dance and the Irish language. As one Comhaltas member tells put it,,
Brionglóid a bhí ar dtús, gan amhras.
Teach Ceoil is used by all members of the community. Adults attend céilís, musical evenings and shows, and children learn music and dancing of all kinds. All forms of Irish culture are welcome here.
Aon rud tradisiúnta.
This episode of ‘Iris ‘89’ was broadcast on 8 April 1989. The narrator is Brídóg Ní Buachalla and the reporter is Éamon Ó Muirí.
The Irish language series 'Iris' (meaning 'journal' or 'magazine') was first broadcast on 19 February 1985.
Presented by Michael Davitt and Maireád Ní Nuadháin it featured a wide range of topics. Its main focus was on issues affecting Gaeltacht communities and Gaeilgeoirí but it also contained reports on the arts, traditional music and current affairs.
Reporters were Maireád Ní Nuadháin, Michael Davitt, Eamon Ó Muirí, Pat Butler, Eoghan Ó Tuairisc, Breandán Ó Tuairisg, Áine Ní Ghlinn and Brídóg Ní Bhuachalla.
The series was produced by Cian Ó hEigeartaigh and Tony MacMahon, Brian Mac Lochlainn, Aindreas Ó Gallchóir, Michael McCarthy, Gerry Murray, Donall Farmer, Mícheál Ó Conaola and Tish Barry. 'Iris' ran until 1990.
