Féasta 100
September 7, 2016
“Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam. A country without a language is a country without a soul.”
― Pádraig Pearse
On Saturday, December 3rd 2016, the Irish language will be officially celebrated through Féasta 100, one of the main closing events of the 1916 commemorative year. No one can deny the power of the Irish language in the penmanship and communication of many of the prominent Easter Rising figures. This celebratory event offers the Irish people a unique opportunity to formally acknowledge the status of an Ghaeilge and celebrate her significance at the heart of Ireland’s historical and cultural landscape.
The six lead Irish language organisations comprising of Conradh na Gaeilge; Cumann na bhFiann; Gael Linn; Gaelscoileanna Teo; Glór na nGael and Oireachtas na Gaeilge in partnership with Foras na Gaeilge have come together to celebrate the Irish language in this historical year of 2016. They are delighted to welcome the President of Ireland, Micheal D. Higgins as honorary guest. This gala dinner is also an occasion to support and provide a national platform for many Irish language artists, musicians and businesses who have been commissioned as part of this one-off centenary event.
Three of the artists who will perform at Féasta 100 have individually developed artistic projects for the 1916 calendar. Choreographer and dancer Fearghus Ó Conchúir from the Rinn Gaeltacht devised and produced The Casement Project, commissioned by the Arts Council with performances in both London and Dublin. Sean-nós singer Lorcán Mac Mathúna from Dublin was also commissioned by the Arts Council to compose and arrange a work of music inspired by the writings and ideals of the leaders of the Easter Rising. 1916: Visionaries and their Words has been performed in both Ireland and France. Harpist Síle Denvir from the Connemara Gaeltacht, recently released an album of music titled Caithréim: Ceol agus Amhráin ó Dhrámaí an Phiarsaigh a work of music inspired by the dramas of Pádraig Pearse.
Féasta 100 will be a significant and memorable event for those in attendance. A unique opportunity to pause and appreciate the Irish language in the utmost spirit of celebration and pride. It aspires to arouse a renewed sense of creativity, energy and growth as the Irish language moves forward into the next one hundred years.
Féasta 100 will take place in our capital city at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, Upper Lesson Street, Dublin. The management and staff of the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel have enthusiastically welcomed Irish language training to provide service trí Ghaeilge on the night which will include menus and signage. Hosting 700 Irish speaking guests is a first for the Hotel and will undoubtedly have a positive impact upon the relevance of the Irish language in the service industry today.
Tickets for Féasta 100 are currently available to buy from any of the lead organisations mentioned above or through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/feasta-100-tickets-25641956783?aff=es2. Tickets are priced at €80 per person.
For further information please contact:
Mary FitzGerald, Mary FitzGerald Public Relations, Tel: 01-6787916, info@maryfitzgeraldpr.ie
