Heritage

Bíonn toradh ar obair Gael Linn

The founders of Gael Linn realised early on that a culture of complaint was not successful. They preferred to take the first step themselves and the next step afterwards. Bíonn toradh ar obair Gael Linn (Gael Linn’s work bears fruit) was their motto. Gael Linn has amassed a rich cultural heritage of national and international significance since 1953.

A brief history of Gael Linn

Summary of highlights in the organisation's story

1953
Football Pools based on Gaelic Games with the title Gael-Linn set up by An Chomhchaidreamh, an organisation of university graduates and undergraduates. A sponsored weekly radio programme was produced and broadcast on Raidió Éireann, as the National Radio Station was then called. This programme publicised the results of the pools each week as well as news of Irish Language events. A Deed of Trust was signed between An Chomhchaidreamh and a group of six people, as Caomhnóirí, or Trustees, who effectively were the first Board of Gael-Linn.
1955
Three-month Gaeltacht scholarship scheme for primary school children was established, with 32 children spending the Easter – Summer term in various Gaeltachtaí. An Irish language theatre was established in The Darner Hall, on St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin. This was a semi-professional/amateur based theatre.
1956
Oicheanta Seanchais, entertainment sessions of traditional storytelling and sean-nós singing established in Dublin as part of An Tostal festival. These sessions were held each year until 1960.
1957
A series of Irish language drama festivals was started, which led to the establishment of An Chomhairle Náisiúnta Dramaíochta, an organisation for the promotion of Irish language drama. It was decided to establish a fish and vegetable processing plant in Camus, in the Galway Gaeltacht. Five boats suitable for in-shore fishing were also procured and given to local Carna fisherman on a purchase lease basis.
1958
A 135 acre estate at Teelin in south Donegal, which included a sheep/pig farm and fishing rights to local rivers, lakes and Teelin Bay, was purchased, primarily to protect the livelihood of the local salmon fisherman. The fisherman were allowed to net salmon under licence from Gael-Linn and a local family ran the farm on behalf of the oraganisation. The farm and the fishing rights were eventually sold seperately, with the fishing rights being sold to Údaras na Gaeltachta for the benefit of a local co-operative. An Irish language teaching institute, Foras na Gaeilge, was established to organise Irish courses for adults and young people.
1959
Weekly newsreels of events in Ireland, with an Irish language commentary, Amharc Éireann, were distributed to the Rank cinemas in place of the fortnightly short documentaries. These continued for five years, with more thn 260 editions being produced and screened. Following submissions to the Television Commission, a body set up by the Goverment to examine and make recommendations regarding the establishment for the first television station in the country, Gael-Linn applied, unsuccessfully, for the licence to run the station. The Government decided to establish a semi-state body to run the new sewrvice, Teilifís Éireann. Cabaret Gael Linn, a well-presented entertainment programme of traditional music, song and dance was established and performed in hotels and tourist venues throughout the country. A post-primary school, Coláiste Chomain, was established in Ros Dumhach, in the Gaeltacht in North West Mayo. An Irish language debating competition for post-primary schools was established in the academic year 1559/1960.
1960
Mise Éire, the first ever full-length feature film in Irish and the first ever feature film based on actual newsreel footage was released, with the now famous music score by Sean Ó Riada. The film covered the struggle for Irish independence from the early 1890's to 1917. A decision was made to invest in a seaweed processing factory, Tora Toinne Teoranta, in An Cheathrú Rua, in the Galway Gaeltacht.
1961
A bee-keeping scheme was established in the West Cork Gaeltacht of Cul Aodha and in the West Kerry Gaeltacht of Corca Dhuibhne. A sequel to Mise Éire, another full-length feature film, Saoirse?, covering the period from 1917 to 1922 was released.
1962
Oyster beds in Cill Chiaráin, are purchased to support the fish processing in nearby Carna. Properties in Baile an Fheirteirigh and Dun Chaoin, in the West Kerry Gaeltacht of Corea Dhuibhne, were purchased for the development of Gaeltacht holidays. Gael Linn undertook the running of a co-op shop in An Rinn, the Waterford Gaeltacht. The organisation was incorporated as Gael-Linn Teoranta, a company limited by guarantee without share capital.
1963
A company producing traditional hand knitted garments, Inisfree Handknits Ltd., together with a retail shop in Creation Arcade/Grafton Street, Dublin, The Donegal Shop, were purchased. A short instructional film on Gaelic Football skills, Peil, was released. As a new fund raising venture Bingo was started in a number of venues in Dublin and in other centres throughout the country A youth club for former recipients of Gael-Linn Gaeltacht scholarships was established.
1964
A majority shareholding was taken in a furniture manufacturing enterprise, John Hogg & Co. Ltd. Trading as Crannac, in Navan, Co. Meath A short instructional film on hurling skills, Christy Ring, was released. Glacadh mór‑scair i gcomhlacht déantúsaíochta troscáin, John Hogg & Co. Ltd., a bhí ag trádáil faoin ainm Crannac, san Uaimh, Contae na Mí. Scaoileadh scannán teagaisc gearr ar scileanna iománaíochta, Christy Ring.
1965
Coláiste Mac Dara, a summer college for recipients of Gael-Linn three-month Gaeltacht scholarships established in An Cheathrú Rua in the Galway Gaeltacht. A short film on social development in Ireland, Rhapsody of a River, commissioned by the then Department for External Affairs, was screened at the Cork Film Festival.
1966
A special commemorative film on 1916, An Tine Bheo, commissioned by the 1916 Jubilee Committee, was released and shown in cinemas throughout Ireland. A special marketing company, Irlandia, was established to market Crannac furniture and other Irish manufactured products in the U.K. A metalworking enterprise, Miotalra, was established in Carna, in partnership with a Dublin-based company, which subsequently withdrew from the business
1967
A short film on a traditional music festival, Flea Ceoil, was released and won an award at the Berlin Film Festival A Friend;y Society, Cara-Chumann Gael-Linn, was established as an investment vehicle. A majority shareholding was purchased in Glens of Antrim Tweed Co. Ltd. In Cushendall, Co. Antrim.
1968
A licensed bar and restaurant, Ósta John Devoy, in Johnstown, Co. Kildare, was purchased and refurbished. At the request of the organisation, Clann na hÉireann, Gael-Linn took over the running of a Hostel, Bruna Mi, in the Co. Meath Gaeltacht of Baile Gib. Summer courses were run for two years. Gael-Linn was instrumental in setting up a joint venture with Gaeltarra Eireann and three other parties in the hotel industry, Gaeltearmann Teoranta, to establish a chain of quality hotels in Gaeltacht areas, starting with Cathair Ui Dhónaill, in Kerry. A short, amusing film on equine sports in Ireland, Capallology, was released and won the 'Monaco' award at the Brussels Film Festival.
1969
A competition based youth arts festival, Slógadh, was established involving several local events and culminating in a national final. Activities included drama, music, singing, storytelling and the visual arts. The co-op shop in An Rinn, was closed and effo1ts were made to help the local community to form a local development committee. Irlandia was merged with another marketing company, Furniture Marketing Group Ltd. and responsibility for the marketing of Crannac furniture in the home market was also given to this company. The properties in Baile an Fheirteirigh and Dun Chaoin were sold to a local businessman.
1971
A short film on life in Ireland, Pobal, was released. Eachtra, a summer adventure course for Irish speaking teenagers was established in An Cheathrú Rua, Conamara. Activities included swimming, life-saving, orienteering, kayaking and boating. Gael-Linn's shares in Crannac were sold.
1972
Ósta John Devoy, the licensed bar and restaurant, in Johnstown, Co. Kildare, was sold. An arrangement was made with The Department of Education and County Mayo Vocational Education Committee whereby the VEC would take responsibility for the operation and funding of Colaiste Chomain as a vocational school, with a management committee representing The Department, The VEC and Gael-Linn. A new partnership arrangement was made with Gaeltarra Éireann and Portarlington Engineering Products Ltd. with regard to the metalworking business, Miotalra, in Carna. Under this arrangement Portarlington Engineering Products Ltd. became the majority stakeholder and took over the management of the Carna business.
1973
A short film on transport in Ireland, Matar A·fo Chroi, was released. Another short film, Páistí ag Obair, was shown at the Cork Film Festival, where it won the Critics' Award and was subsequently invited to participate in the London Fihn Festival. Following this screening Páistí ag Obair received an Oscar nomination. The summer college, Coláiste Mac Dara, was transferred to Machaire Rabhartaigh in the Donegal Gaeltacht. Eachtra, the summer adventure course for teenagers was also transferred to the Donegal Gaeltacht, to Gort a ' Choirce. The retail shop in Creation Arcade/Grafton Street, Dublin, The Donegal Shop, was divided and a new music shop, Fónodisc, was opened in the new section. The new shop specialised in both traditional and classical music.
1974
Two short films, the award winning Páistí ag Obair, and Poc ar Buile an amusing film on golf with a commentary by Niall Tóibín went on general release. In addition to the Eachtra adventure course in Donegal, a second course was organised in Corea Dhuibhne in the Kerry Gaeltacht.
1975
As a result of a joint venture with Linguaphone a new home-learning hish language course was produced and launched. A second Summer College was opened in the West Cork Gaeltacht of Baile Bhuime. Four former cinemas were purchased in Dublin - The Cabra Grand, The Whitehall Grand, The Deluxe and The Strand. Three of these cinemas had been rented by Gael-Linn as bingo venues for a long number of years up to this point.
1976
An Irish language debating competition for third level students was launched.
1977
Nos 26 &27 Merrion Square were purchased as a new Headquarters for Gael-Linn. Following three years of research, carried out in association with UCG, it was decided to commence development of the oyster beds in Ba Chill Chiarain near Ros Muc in Conamara, which were originally purchased in 1962. The Deluxe Cinema was sold.
1978
Towards the end of the year the original football pools were discontinued and a new structure, Cairde Gael-Linn, was established as a basis for a monthly members' lottery.
1979
The textile company, Glens of Antrim Tweed Co. Ltd., in Cushendall, Co. Antrim, ceased trading. The Gael-Linn music shop, Fónodisc, was transferred to new premises in Duke Street in Dublin.
1980
Following the liquidation of Irish Record Factors, the wholesale distribution agency that Gael-Linn had been using to distribute its own label records, Gael-Linn decided to set up a distribution agency in association with Mulligan Records. An Irish language secretarial college, An Colaiste Ardrunaiochta, was established with the aim of providing a supply of skilled secretaries with a capability for working through the Irish language. The Donegal Shop, the retail shop in Creation Arcade, Grafton Street, Dublin was closed and the leasehold on the premises sold. Following the decision by the RTE Authority to end sponsored programmes on the National Radio Service, the weekly Gael-Linn radio programme was broadcast for the last time on the 29th of December.
1981
The music shop Fónodisc was closed and the leasehold on the premises in Duke Street was sold. The support organisation, Cairde Gael-Linn, was incorporated. Gael-Linn organised a seminar in Dublin on the position of the lesser-used languages of Europe, particularly in the context of a recent report to the European Parliament.
1982
A policy document on education, The Future Of the Irish Language in The Irish Education System, was published. Over a number of years the organisation was very active in promoting the cause of the lesser-used languages of Europe and Gael-Linn staff were instrumental in the establishment of the European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages. A policy document on local radio, The Future Of Irish Local Radio, was published. Mulligan Records withdrew from the record distribution arrangement with Gael-Linn. Gael­ Linn continued distributing their own label and other labels.
1984
A new weekly newspaper, Anois, was founded. This was the first Irish language newspaper in tabloid form and the first to use full-colour. Newspread Ltd, a major wholesale distributor of magazines and newspapers distributed the new title. A separate company, Anois Teo., was set up and incorporated. The pig farm in Teileann, Co. Donegal was sold. The last Eachtra course was held on Achill Island. The cost of such courses were too high for the market to bear in the harsh economic climate that prevailed at the time. The Irish language secretarial college, An Colaiste Ardrunaiochta, also closed following a change of policy by AnCo, the state organisation for job skills training.
1987
A new publication to help Higher Level Leaving Certificate students of Irish, Dreimire, was launched. This was published in six parts over the academic year in association with Anois. The oyster beds in Ba Chill Chiarain near Ros Muc in Conamara, were sold to Údaras na Gaeltachta.
1988
Coirm, an initiative to provide Irish language and cultural entertainment in various venues on a regular basis was established. Initial efforts concentrated on the Dublin area. The founder of Gael-Linn, Donall 6 Morain, who had held the full-time post of General Manager since 1963, became Chairman of the Company and Brian Mac Aongusa became the new Chief Executive.
1989
The former cinema, The Strand, which had been used as a venue for bingo Gael-Linn was sold. In line with Gael-Linn's continuing interest in the Irish language in broadcasting a share holding was purchased in Clare FM and in Kerry Community Radio, commercial radio stations set up as a result of new legislation liberalising the broadcast media in Ireland. These shareholdings entitled Gael-Linn to a seat on the Board of each of these new stations. A new annual award, Gradam Gael-Linn, was instituted for the student who earns the highest marks in the Irish language A-Level examination in Northern Ireland.
1990
An Irish language summer comse for adults was organised in Gaoth Dobhair, in the Donegal Gaeltacht.
1991
Dublin was designated European City of Culture for the year. As part of the programme of events to celebrate this accolade Gael-Linn organised a major concert in the Olympia Theatre in April. Clannad, The Hothouse Flowers, Donal Lunny and friends as well as young participants of the Sl6gadh arts festival took part in the concert. An eigse or weekend folk:school, Feile Zozimus was also organised in the Liberties of Dublin on traditional Irish cultme in Dublin during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This festival was subsequently organised annually over a period of four years. Trath na gceist Gael-Linn, a series of Irish language table quiz events were organised for post-primary student of Irish throughout Northern Ireland. The film Mise Eire, was issued in VHS video format.
1992
Fios, an Irish language radio quiz for post-primary schools in Northern Ireland, organised by Gael-Linn, was broadcast by BBC Radio Ulster. The fishing rights in Teelin Bay and the local rivers and lakes were sold to lJdaras na Gaeltachta. Gael-Linn took over an existing Gaeltacht summer college for teenagers, Colaiste Riocard Batre.id, in Eachleim, in the North Mayo Gaeltacht.
1993
RTE Radio One broadcast an Irish language radio quiz for adults, organised by Gael-Linn, under the title Ceist Agam Ort. BBC Radio Ulster broadcast a similar Irish language radio quiz for adults in Northern Ireland, organised by Gael-Linn, under the title Freagair. A series of Irish language table quiz events for senior primary school pupils in the Republic was established. These events were organised in subsequent years under the title of Spraoicheist. A large ex-cinema in Crumlin, Dublin, The Crumlin Superbowl, was purchased and refurbished as a bingo an entertainment venue. Gael-Linn provided the studio equipment for a new Dublin Irish language radio station, Raidió na Life, at a nominal rent.
1994
Staighre, a new publication to help Junior Certificate students of Irish was launched. This was published in six parts over the academic year in a similar format to Dreimire. A bilingual booklet, Irish Works =: An Ghaeilge ar do Shonsa, explaining the advantages for young people oflearni.ng Irish, was published. In association with the Jesuit Film and Video Awards for young film-makers Gael-Linn instituted special awards for the best film in the Irish language and for the best use of traditional Irish music in a film score.
1995
Two adjoining premises in Cecilia Street, in the Temple Bar area of Dublin were purchased with the intention of developing an Irish language cultural centre. A special programme entitled, An Enrichment Programme in Gaelic Studies, was offered as an optional module to senior students in post-primary schools in Northern Ireland, where Irish would not normally be offered. The programme consisted of eight lectures in English on topics such as - place names; surnames; Ulster song tradition; Protestant Gaelic tradition; outline history of the Irish language. Each lecture was followed by a short lesson in the Irish language. Inisfree Handknits Ltd., the company producing traditional hand knitted garments was sold.
1996
Brian Mac Aongusa retired as Chief Executive and Herman Ó Briain was appointed to the position. A new publication, Ceim, for students studying Irish for the Leaving Certificate ordinary level and for transition year students was launched. This was the third title in a series published each year in six parts over the academic year. Following its failure to win a new contract and consequent grant aid under a tendering process administered by Bord na Gaeilge, the newspaper Anois ceased publication. The educational publications, Dreimire, Staighre and Ceim, continued. At the request of the Department of Education and Science a special Irish language course for primary teachers trained outside the State was established.
1997
In the absence of any State aid for the proposed Irish language centre in Temple Bar, the premises in Cecilia Street was sold as part of a joint venture with Óstlann Dubhlinne Teo., to establish an Irish language hotel and entertainment centre there. An Irish language public speaking competition for post primary students, Abair, was introduced in Northern Ireland to provide an alternative to the team debates. The Cairde Gael-Linn fund-raising operation was restructured and a tight network of self­ employed agents was established throughout the country. De dheasca easpa tacaíochta stáit don ionad Gaeilge beartaithe i dTempl
1998
Feile Peile Gael-Linn, a three-day sports festival for primary school pupils from Gaeltacht and Irish medium schools was instituted. The event encompassed coaching sessions and a mini league. Over the following years the festival developed with four separate football events, one in each province and one hurling event. A basic media skills course through the medium of Irish, Tús na Cumarsaide, was offered to transition year students. The course content covered basic information about the print and broadcast media as well as the basics of making a radio programme. Gael-Linn, together with Údaras na Gaeltachta and Cum.as Teo, a community development organisation in Ros Muc, co-sponsored a drama skills course for Gaeltacht youth clubs. Many clubs participated in the course, which culminated in six Irish language plays being staged in Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe.
1999
A lease on Number 3 Dawson Street, Dublin was purchased with the intention of opening an Irish language centre with a coffee shop and classrooms. Gael-Linn ceased its direct bingo operation and leased the three halls to a professional bingo operator on a short-term lease. An Irish language science day for pupils of Irish medium schools in Northern Ireland and in the border counties of the Republic was organised in association with the Armagh Planetarium. An Irish language soundtrack was provided for one of the audiovisual shows in the Planetarium theatre. Signage and displays in Irish, work sheets and a team of Irish speaking guides were also made. available.
2000
The Irish language centre and coffee shop in Dawson Street, Dublin was opened under the name Trí D. A new education policy document was published, with some radical proposals for improving the teaching of the Irish language, especially at primary level.
2001
The founder of Gael-Linn, D6nall 6 Morain, died on January 11, aged 77 years. A series of Irish language science days, similar to that in the Armagh Planetarium, were organised at Oxford Island, Lough Neagh Discovery Centre. A policy for the Gaeltacht was published. The organisation moved into its new headquarters in 35 Dame Street. The youth arts festival, Sl6gadh, was discontinued and three new arts activities were launched- Siansa, a competition for traditional music groups from 12 to 19 years; Seoid, a competition for groups singing in Irish from 12 to 19 years; Coirm, a series of festivals at which primary schools present stage shows through the medium of Irish.

Music

There are over 300 music publications in the Gael Linn catalogue. Musicians who have recorded with Gael Linn include Seán Ó Riada, Skara Brae, Mary Bergin, Dolores Keane, Clannad, Micheál Ó Súilleabháin, Peadar Ó Riada, Aoife Ní Fhearraigh etc.

A high percentage of this music is now available on digital platforms around the world. Some of it has yet to be digitised.

Events

One of the most important aspects of the legacy of Gael Linn is the large number of people who have been involved in Gael Linn’s activities and have gone on to achieve success in both public and private life. It is certain that the work of Gael Linn has been, is and will continue to be a success.

Teaching Material

The recordings for the Buntús Cainte teaching course were made by Gael Linn and although published as part of a television programme on RTÉ in the mid-1960s, these recordings are still a success and are available on digital platforms by Gael Linn.

Gael Linn’s work continues to compile a heritage that supports the strengthening and expansion of the Irish language. We have done this by publishing books, recording music, commissioning audiobooks, developing educational publications and increasing our presence on social media.

Film-making

Gael Linn has a long tradition of film development. Three brand new feature films, 34 shorts and over 264 newsreels are safely stored in the Irish Film Institute (IFI) Archives. Mise Éire, the first feature film in Irish produced by Gael Linn and directed by George Morrison, was a huge success. In collaboration with IFI, the Amharc Éireann collection will soon be made available worldwide in Irish and English. Gael Linn’s pioneering work in film is significant in the social history of Ireland from the 1950s and 1960s onwards.
D’oibrigh Gael Linn le roinnt de mhórphearsana scannánaíochta na hÉireann ar nós George Morrison, Louis Marcus agus Colm Ó Laoighre.

Amharc Éireann