70 Years of Innovation in Language and Cultural Revitalization

“Gael Linn ag 70,” a commemorative program of music and song to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Irish language organization. Produced by Aniar for TG4, the celebratory program features music and conversation with an all-star cast.

In 1953, Gael Linn began a weekly program on Raidió Éireann which gave them the unique ability to showcase its various entrepreneurial, educational, and cultural initiatives. More importantly, perhaps, it also provided a national platform for the Irish language and traditional music and song for the very first time.

Gael Linn soon established a record label to satisfy the growing demand for this music and so began a new era for Irish music where its significance to Ireland’s sense of national identity was established.

Directed by Oisín Ó hEartáin, the TG4 program explores the organization’s history and impact, including its influence on the commercially published music of Donegal by the likes of Clannad, Aodh Ó Duibhennaigh, Skara Brae and Altan; its films such as 1959’s ‘MIse Éire’ with soundtrack by Seán Ó Riada; its office and activities in Northern Ireland; and SLÓGADH, the national youth festival of the arts first held in 1970.

The film will also look at Gael Linn’s best-selling record, Mary Bergin’s Feadóg Stáin a hAon, as well as the organization’s sean-nós releases and the label’s support of contemporary songs in the Irish language.

This event is part of Irish Arts Week 2024. This film is free to registrants of the Irish Language Weekend. The $15 fee is for the public.