Bàrd a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich ga ainmeachadh ro Fharpais Chrìochnachaidh Bonn Òir a’ Mhòid Nàiseanta Rìoghail
Issued by An Comunn Gàidhealach
Tha am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail air Bàrd ùr a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich a chrùnadh an-diugh, Diciadain, 13 Dàmhair, agus an siathamh latha den tachartas chultarach ainmeil Ghàidhlig a’ dol air adhart.
Tha an t-urram litreachais eachdraidheil seo air a bhuileachadh air a’ bhàrd Ghàidhlig ainmeil Rody Gorman, mar aithne don tabhartas chudromach a chuir e ri saoghal litreachais na Gàidhlig.
Air a bhreith ann am Baile Átha Cliath agus a-nis a’ còmhnaidh san Eilean Sgitheanach, tha Rody air dreuchd-beatha thorrach a chosnadh dha fhèin leis na dusanan de dh’eadar-theangachaidhean ann an litreachas na Gàidhlig agus cruinneachaidhean de bhàrdachd thùsail ann an Gàidhlig na h-Alba, Gaeilge agus Beurla.
Bidh Rody a’ lìbhrigeadh òraidean an lùib sgrìobhadh cruthachail, gach bliadhna a’ deasachadh a’ chruinneachaidh dà-chànanach de bhàrdachd Ghàidhlig cho-aimsireil An Guth, agus tha mòran chomhaltachdan is chòmhnaidheachdan sgrìobhaidh air am buileachadh air, a’ gabhail a-steach co-eòlaiche sgrìobhaidh aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig agus neach-gairm na Comataidh Eadar-theangachaidh is Chòraichean Cànanachais de PEN (Bàird, Aistearan, Nobhailichean) na h-Alba.
Is e Rody an 57mh neach a choisinn Crùn a’ Bhàird, a chaidh a bhuileachadh airson a’ chiad uair o chionn faisg air 100 bliadhna ann an 1923. Tha an sgrìobhadair a tha stèidhichte san Eilean Sgitheanach, a’ gabhail air an uallaich bhon Bhàrd a bha roimhe, Sandaidh NicDhòmhnaill Jones, aig an robh an dreuchd thairis air dà bhliadhna on nach robh Mòd na bliadhna an-uiridh comasach air a dhol air adhart gu pearsanta.
Thuirt Rody: “’S e urram fìor mhòr a th’ ann dreuchd Bàrd a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich a bhuileachadh orm mar aithne do m’ obair thar nam bliadhnaichean. Tha mi mothachail agus moiteil, ann a bhith a’ dèanamh sin gu bheil mi a’ leantainn ann an ceumannan a leithid de chàch, a’ gabhail a-steach Dòmhnall Mac an t-Saoir, Màiri NicIllEathain, Aonghas Pàdraig Caimbeul, Maoilios Caimbeul, Caitrìona NicGumaraid agus Aonghas MacNeacail, gun luaidh air an oifigear ann an 1935, Dòmhnall Grannd à Camas Cros, far a bheil mi air a bhith a’ fuireach airson còrr air 30 bliadhna. Fhad ’s a bhios mi san dreuchd, tha mi an dòchas bàrdachd Ghàidhlig adhartachadh agus obair bhuntainneach a thoirt gu buil.”
Gu h-eachdraidheil, is e Diciadain latha litreachais a’ Mhòid, agus am-bliadhna chithear diofar thachartasan litreachais, a’ gabhail a-steach prògram litreachais air-loidhne, leabhar ùr de dhàin is òrain Ghàidhlig ga chur air bhog leis a’ Bhàrd a tha a’ dol a-mach agus èisteachd còmhla ri dithis de na sgrìobhadairean as fhollaisich ann an saoghal na Gàidhlig, Alasdair C. MacIlleBhàin agus Aonghas Pàdraig Caimbeul.
Tha crùnadh a’ bhàird a’ tighinn feasgar air thoiseach air Bonn Òir a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich, a chì buidheann de na seinneadairean Gàidhlig as fheàrr de fhir agus de mhnathan bho air feadh Alba, a’ farpais air beulaibh luchd-èisteachd gu pearsanta ann an Talla-cluiche Chùirt Eden agus a’ dol a-mach beò air BBC Alba.
A-raoir chunnacas aithne ga thoirt do bhuannaichean mòran de fharpaisean na cloinne, a’ gabhail a-steach Aigeallan Airgid nan nigheanan, Prìne Fèilidh Airgead nan gillean, Aigeallan Airgid an t-Seann Nòis agus Prìne Fèilidh Airgead an t-Seann Nòis.
Thug Ellie Ceit NicIain à Eilean na Hearadh seachad gnìomhadh air leth air an àrd-ùrlar gus Aigeallan Airgid nan nigheanan a thoirt dhachaigh, fhad ’s a bha Anndra Cuimeanach à Geàrrloch air ainmeachadh mar bhuannaiche Prìne Fèilidh Airgead nan gillean.
Nan roghainnean fhèin, bhuannaich Innes John Begg à Eilean Leòdhais Prìne Fèilidh Airgead an t-Seann Nòis agus Maria Monk à Glaschu le seinn air leth gus Aigeallan Airgid an t-Seann Nòis a bhuannachadh.
An-diugh, chithear cuairt ro-fharpaisean airson Ageallan Airgid nam ban agus nam fear a’ dol air adhart mus bi an fharpais chrìochnachaidh a’ tòiseachadh aig 2f.
Bidh oidhche de dhràma air àrd-ùrlar ann an Taigh-cluiche One Touch ann an Cùirt Eden, far am bi gnìomhaidhean bho bhuidhnean coimhearsnachd Buidheann Dràma Chille Mhòire, Sgioba Dràma Uibhist agus Buidheann Dràma Coimhearsnachd à Inbhir Nis, agus mòr-thaisbeanadh aighearach air-loidhne de Clàrsach aig a’ Mhòd, fo stiùir Joy Dunlop a’ BhBC, a’ comharrachadh a’ cheangail fad-amail eadar Comunn na Clàrsaich agus An Comunn Gàidhealach, a’ cur crìoch air an latha.
Thuirt Seumas Greumach, Àrd-Oifigear a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich: “Tha an-diugh a’ comharrachadh an latha as trainge de phògram thachartasan naoi-làithean a’ Mhòid, le comas-ciùil Gàidhlig agus sàr-mhathas ann an litreachas a tha air leth, ri mhealadh. An dèidh dà latha soirbheachail de fharpaisean chloinne, tha cothrom ann do na mnathan ’s na fir agus sinn a’ cur fàilte air farpaisean cliùiteach an Aigeallan Airgid agus a’ Bhuinn Òir.
“Tha sinn air leth toilichte an latha a thòiseachadh le bhith ag ainmeachadh a’ bhàird chliùitich, Rody Gorman, mar am Bàrd ùr. Tha a’ bhuaidh a thug Rody air cultar na Gàidhlig tro obair thùsail fhèin, eadar-theangachaidhean agus mòran obraichean litreachais, airidh air moladh. Mar thosgaire mìorbhaileach do chànan is litreachas na Gàidhlig, bu mhath leam mo mhealadh naidheachd dhùrachdach a chur air.”
Thuirt Shona NicIllinnein, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig: “Tha luchd-èisteachd an-còmhnaidh a’ faotainn tlachd às na cuspairean litreachais aig a’ Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail, agus tha tachartasan an latha an-diugh bho chrùnadh a’ Bhàird gu tachartasan Chomhairle nan Leabhraichean agus na farpaisean dràma coimhearsnachd, nam pàirtean deatamach a thaobh meudachadh ann an cleachdadh na Gàidhlig. Tha na tachartasan a’ taisbeanadh càileachd agus farsaingeachd sgrìobhadairean, cleasaichean agus luchd-ealain chruthachail eile a tha tron bhliadhna a’ cur ri saidhbhreas na Gàidhlig agus a tarraingeachd ’s a cumhachd.”
Tarsainn nan trì làithean a tha air fhàgail, bidh an fhèis a’ cur air adhart measgachadh de ghnìomhaidhean iongantach agus ghnìomhachdan cultarach a’ comharrachadh cànan, eachdraidh agus àm teachdail na Gàidhlig, a’ tighinn gu crìch le Cuirm Chrìochnachaidh a’ Mhòid le Sian agus New Tradition feasgar Dihaoine ann an Talla-cluiche Chùirt Eden, agus co-chruinneachadh de na còisirean Gàidhlig ann am Pàirc an Northern Meeting madainn Disathairne.
Tha am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail a’ faotainn taic bho EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd, Events Scotland, Riaghaltas na h-Alba, HIE, Caledonian MacBrayne agus SQA.
Bidh am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail a’ ruith gu 16 Dàmhair 2021. Thoiribh sùil air a’ phrògram slàn agus ceannaichibh tiogaidean a-nis aig https://www.ancomunn.co.uk/.
Bard of An Comunn Gàidhealach announced ahead of The Royal National Mòd’s Gold Medal Final
The Royal National Mòd have appointed its new Bard today, Wednesday 13 October, as the sixth day of the prestigious annual Gaelic cultural event gets underway.
Celebrated Gaelic poet Rody Gorman has been awarded the historic literature honour in recognition of his significant contribution to the Gaelic literary world.
Born in Dublin and now living on the Isle of Skye, Rody has enjoyed a prolific career with dozens of Gaelic literary translations and original collections of poetry in Scottish Gaelic, Irish and English, to his name.
Rody lectures in creative writing, edits the annual bilingual anthology of contemporary Gaelic poetry An Guth and has been awarded numerous writing fellowships and residencies, including writing fellow at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and convenor of the Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee of Scottish PEN.
Rody is the 57th recipient of the Bardic award, which was first awarded almost 100 years ago in 1923. The Skye-based writer takes over from outgoing Bard Sandaidh NicDhòmhnaill Jones, who held the role for two years after last year’s Mòd was unable to go ahead in person.
Rody said: “I am greatly honoured to have been awarded the position of Bard of the Comann Gàidhealach in recognition of my work over the years. I am conscious and proud that in doing so I’m following in the footsteps of so many others, including Donald Macintyre, Mary Maclean, Angus Peter Campbell, Myles Campbell, Catriona Montgomery and Aonghas MacNeacail, not to mention the office-bearer in 1935, Donald Grant of Camuscross, where I have lived for more than 30 years. While in office I hope to promote Gaelic poetry and produce relevant work.”
Historically, Wednesday is the Mòd’s literature day, and this year will see various literary events take place, including an online literature programme, the launch of a new book of Gaelic songs and poems from the outgoing Bard, and an audience with two of Gaeldom’s most prominent writers, Alasdair C. Whyte and Angus Peter Campbell.
The crowning of the Bard comes ahead of this evening’s prestigious An Comunn Gàidhealach Gold Medal, which will see a group of the best mens and ladies Gaelic singers from across Scotland compete in front of audiences in person at Eden Court Theatre and broadcast live on BBC Alba.
Last night saw the winners of a variety of children’s competitions recognised, including the girls Silver Pendant, boys Silver Kilt Pin, Traditional Silver Pendant and Traditional Silver Kilt Pin.
Ellie Ceit Johnson from the Isle of Harris gave a stunning performance to take home the girls Silver Pendant, while Anndra Cumming of Gairloch was named winner of the boys Silver Kilt Pin.
In the own choice categories, Innes John Begg of the Isle of Lewis picked up the Traditional Silver Kilt Pin and Maria Monk from Glasgow wowed with her performance to win the Traditional Silver Pendant.
Today also sees qualifying events for the ladies and mens Silver Pendant get underway before the final kicks off at 2pm.
An evening of drama at Eden Court’s One Touch Theatre, featuring performances from community groups Buidheann Dràma Chille Mhòire, Sgioba Dràma Uibhist and Buidheann Dràma Coimhearsnachd from Inverness comes next, while a joyful online showcase of The Clàrsach at the Mòd, hosted by the BBC’s Joy Dunlop, celebrating the long-established link between Comunn na Clàrsach and An Comunn Gàidhealach, rounds off the day.
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “Today marks the busiest day in the Mòd’s nine-day programme of events, with exceptional Gaelic musicianship and literary excellence to be enjoyed. After two successful days of children’s competitions, today it is the turn of the ladies and men as we welcome the prestigious Silver Pendant and Gold Medal competitions.
“We’re delighted to start the day by announcing celebrated Gaelic poet Rody Gorman as our new Bard. The mark Rody has made on Gaelic culture, through his own original works, translations and numerous literary endeavours, is considerable. A fantastic ambassador for Gaelic language and literature, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations.”
Shona MacLennan, Ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “Audiences always enjoy the literary aspects of the Royal National Mòd, and today’s events ranging from the crowning of the Bàrd to Comhairle nan Leabhraichean’s events and the community drama competitions are essential aspects of increasing the use of Gaelic. The events demonstrate the quality and range of writers, actors and other creative artists who contribute throughout the year to the richness of the Gaelic language and its attractiveness and energy. ”
Across the remaining three days, the festival will stage a variety of stunning performances and cultural activities celebrating the language, history and future of the Gaels, culminating in a sensational Mòd Grand Finale with Sian and New Tradition on Friday evening at Eden Court Theatre and a massed gathering of Gaelic choirs at the Northern Meeting Park on Saturday morning.
The Royal National Mòd is supported by EventScotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, The Highland Council, Events Scotland, The Scottish Government, HIE, Caledonian MacBrayne and SQA.
The Royal National Mòd will run until 16th October 2021. View the full programme and purchase tickets now at https://www.ancomunn.co.uk/.