Cúchulainn as an Imperishable Reservoir of Inspiration

In this talk, part of Celtic Junction Arts Center’s 2024 Irish Language Weekend, Réamonn Ó Ciaráin discusses how the mythological figure of Cúchulainn is a potent symbol of bravery, loyalty, martial prowess, beauty, and wisdom. The spirit of Cúchulain has inspired revolutionaries, artists, sports men and women, and Irish leaders for at least a millennium. Réamonn demonstrates how Cuchulainn still holds significance for many in the twenty first century. This talk is delivered in a narrative style combining a retelling of lesser known Cúchulainn stories with learned and fresh insights. Dara Vallely's paintings forms a background to this presentation and instilled a new vitality and depth to these ancient stories. The imagery is original, bold, vibrant, and even tribal.
About the Presenter:
Réamonn Ó Ciaráin was appointed to the role of CEO of Gael Linn on 2 June 2022. He began working with Gael Linn in 1993, was promoted to Ulster manager in 2003, and to Director of Education in 2020. Réamonn has authored three books on Cúchulainn which were published by Gael Linn, as well articles in a variety of publications. He has toured the Midwest of the USA speaking about Cúchulainn, Ireland’s greatest mythological hero.
Réamonn was born in Crossmaglen, and now lives in Milford, Co. Armagh. He took his primary degree in education with Celtic studies at St Mary’s University College, Belfast. Following this, he successfully completed a master’s degree in Irish Studies at Queen’s University Belfast and later a master’s degree in Cultural Management at the University of Ulster. He was the founding chairperson of Aonach Mhacha, the Irish language social enterprise behind the building of a state of the art Irish language cultural centre in Armagh City which opened in March 2020.
Réamonn is married to Dolores and they have two children, Alana and Caoilte.
About Gael Linn:
www.gael-linn.ie
Gael Linn was founded in 1953 and has been known since then as an entrepreneurial organisation. The main aim of the organisation is to foster and promote the Irish language and its heritage throughout Ireland as a living language and as an expression of identity.
Gael Linn continues to implement its entrepreneurial philosophy through the broad range of activities and projects which it engages in from year to year. The Gael Linn programme can be divided into three broad categories; education, language promotional schemes and business.
Gael Linn has been designated by Foras na Gaeilge as one of six lead organisations in the voluntary sector. In that context, our areas of responsibility are: the teaching of Irish as a school subject and in adult education, and the creation of opportunities for school pupils to use Irish.

[@erpthompsonqueen9130]

Thank you. Watching from Alaska.
🕊

[@TheCelticJunction]

Thank you for joining us!

[@annepoitrineau5650]

Great video, thank you, and I love the art you are showing.

[@TheCelticJunction]

Fantastic, glad to hear it.