Large Assemblage Witnesses Encouraging Testimony to Irish Language Revival
Kilmallock, Tuesday, August 30, 1904 – The Kilmallock Feis held on Sunday marked a significant milestone in the revitalization of the Gaelic movement in Irish-speaking districts. Following a series of successful feiseanna in the Munster region, which demonstrated the vitality and growth of the Gaelic movement among the people who still communicate primarily in the Irish language, the Kilmallock event stood out as a testament to the recent efforts in areas where the language had been in decline. This Feis, organized by the local branch of the Gaelic League, exceeded expectations in terms of scale and attendance, making it one of the most significant Gaelic gatherings of the season.
Despite the limited usage of the Irish language in the district, except among the elderly population, the enthusiastic interest shown by attendees demonstrated a deep appreciation for the aims and objectives of the Gaelic League. Elabourate preparations had been made to ensure the smooth operation of the Feis, including arranging special train services from Cork and Limerick, which proved to be a resounding success as a large number of participants availed themselves of the transportation.
Despite the initial clouded and threatening weather, which has often been associated with such gatherings this year, luck was on the side of the Feis once again, and the proceedings took place under pleasant conditions. The event featured an extensive program that was executed efficiently, and the competitions showcased a commendable level of talent. While the proceedings may not have been as distinctly Irish as those in West Cork or Kerry, one noteworthy aspect was the impressive display of Irish language proficiency by the school-going children, which was particularly commendable given the limited opportunities available to them.
The dancing performances were a major attraction, with the Cork and Limerick clubs sending their best performers. Honours were evenly divided, although the Cork clubs demonstrated their prowess, and winners included accomplished dancers such as Miss Henly and Miss Murray. The Feis was also attended by a significant number of clergymen who showed their support for the event.
Special recognition was given to Reverend Father O’Donnell, Mr Cusack, and Mr W. Joyce, the president, treasurer, and secretary of the local branch, respectively, for their dedicated efforts in organizing the Feis. A panel of judges was appointed to oversee the competitions, with Mr P. McSweeney, Mr T. Learnihan, and Mr John O’Connor presiding over recitation and literary events. Singing competitions were judged by Mr J. Joyce, Mr F.J. O’Sullivan, and Mr Martin Fitzgerald, while dancing competitions were evaluated by Mr W.C. Driscoll, Mr J. Dillon, Mr C. O’Connor, and Mr C. Kiely. Musical competitions were overseen by Mr J. Twomey, Mr U. Reilly, and Reverend Father O’Shea.
The Feis commenced with a brief introduction by Reverend Father O’Donnell, who acknowledged Reverend James O’Shea as an ardent supporter of the Gaelic movement and praised the committee for their invitation to him as the presiding priest. Although he admitted his limited knowledge of the Irish language, Reverend O’Shea expressed his pride in joining the Kilmallock Feis Committee and affirmed his wholehearted support for the Gaelic League’s work in preserving the Irish language and its role in uncovering Ireland’s ancient history. He emphasized the importance of accessing the true records and manuscripts of Ireland’s past, rather than relying on English sources filled with slanderous falsehoods.
Reverend Father Lee of Croom offered his congratulations to the people of Kilmallock on the success of the Feis, highlighting the need for neighbouring localities to actively participate in the language movement. He emphasized that Ireland was experiencing a renaissance and warned that districts that remained indifferent to the cause would be looked down upon. He urged the people to embrace their native language and reject the English language, which he likened to a prison for the Irish mind. Father Lee called for the restoration of Irish as the primary language in Catholic national schools, asserting that only Catholic priests were fit to manage such institutions. He encouraged the formation of Gaelic League branches in neighbouring districts, urging the people to take pride in their heritage and ensure their children received an education in Irish.
The event also featured speeches in Irish by Miss Ellen Hogan of Kilmallock and Mr William Lundan, who expressed their support for the Gaelic movement and its commendable goals. Mr Lundan appealed to the people, along with the assistance of priests and public figures, to actively revive the Irish language, promising that their efforts would bear fruit within five years.
The Feis included various competitions, with participants vying for top honours in categories such as recitation, singing, dancing, and musical performances. Winners in the different competitions included Minnie White and Lizzie Smiddy for poetry recitation, Frank Kennely and Richard Power for senior solo singing, and Maggie Murray and Nellie Leonard for senior Irish reel and double jig, among others.
Although the winners in the drum and pipe band competitions were not announced, the Feis concluded with a sense of accomplishment and optimism for the future of the Gaelic movement. The event served as a testament to the growing interest in the Irish language, its rich cultural heritage, and the determination of the Irish people to reclaim their linguistic roots.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 30 August 1904
