Celtic League facts for kids
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| Formation | Established in 1961 First publication of Carn in 1973 |
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Official languages
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General secretary
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Rhisiart Tal-e-bot (2006–present) |
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Editor of Carn
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Rhisiart Tal-e-bot (2013–present) |
The Celtic League is a group that brings together people from different Celtic nations. It was started in 1961. Its main goal is to celebrate and promote modern Celtic culture and identity. This includes people from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man.
The League especially focuses on helping the Celtic languages grow stronger. It also supports the idea of these Celtic nations having more control over their own affairs. Eventually, it hopes each nation can become an independent country. The Celtic League is also recognized by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (EcoSoc) as an official non-governmental organization (NGO).
Contents
What Does the Celtic League Do?
The Celtic League has several important goals. These aims help guide their work:
- Working Together: They want to encourage Celtic peoples to cooperate with each other.
- Building Connections: They aim to help people feel a special bond and togetherness among Celtic nations.
- Sharing Stories: They work to make the struggles and successes of Celtic nations known around the world.
- Planning for the Future: They hope to create a formal group of Celtic nations once two or more of them gain self-government.
- Using Resources Wisely: They believe each Celtic country's resources should benefit all its people.
The Celtic League understands that each Celtic nation has a unique history. Because of this, they don't expect everyone to think the same way. Instead, they welcome different ideas. This helps them find ways to work together and create common plans. Their goal is to help communities enjoy freedom and liberty for everyone.
Politically, the Celtic League wants to see six sovereign states (independent countries) formed from the six Celtic nations. These new countries would then work together in some way. This idea can mean different things to different people. It could be like regular meetings, or a closer partnership similar to the Nordic Council.
In 1987, the Celtic League held a meeting where they confirmed their main purpose. They said their special job is to help their languages become strong again. They also want to achieve enough economic, cultural, and political freedom. This freedom would help their unique Celtic way of life continue into the future. They stressed that their languages make them distinct cultural groups and nations.
How the Celtic League Started
The Celtic League began in 1961. It grew from other groups that also focused on Celtic culture, like the Celtic Congress. However, the Celtic League had a stronger focus on political goals. Before it started, people like Hugh MacDiarmid had suggested similar ideas.
The Celtic League was officially formed at the 1961 National Eisteddfod of Wales. This big Welsh festival was held near Wrexham in northeast Wales. Two of the people who helped start the League were Gwynfor Evans and J. E. Jones. At the time, they were leaders of the Welsh nationalist political party, Plaid Cymru. People from Scottish parties and Breton nationalist groups also showed interest in joining.
Where Are the Celtic League Branches?
The Celtic League has six main branches, one in each of the six Celtic countries. These branches are often known by the Celtic names of their countries:
- Ireland is called Éire.
- Scotland is called Alba.
- Wales is called Cymru.
- Brittany is called Breizh.
- Cornwall is called Kernow.
- The Isle of Man is called Mannin or Mann.
In 1987, the Celtic League decided not to include regions like Galicia and Asturias in Spain. Even though these areas have some historical Celtic connections, they don't have living Celtic languages. The League felt that their main goal of bringing back Celtic languages and achieving political freedom would be weakened if they included these regions. However, they encouraged these areas to develop their Celtic heritage. They hoped this would bring support for their goals.
There are also branches in other parts of the world where Celtic people live, called diaspora branches. These branches usually don't play a big role in the main annual meetings.
- A branch was started in Patagonia, Argentina, at the end of 2009. This area is home to y Wladfa, a Welsh colony. This branch was still active in October 2011.
- The Celtic League, American Branch (CLAB) began in New York City in 1974. It had its own newsletter. However, its activity had slowed down by October 2011. CLAB used to organize events like the Pan-Celtic Conference.
- There is also an International Branch for people living far from the main national branches. This includes potential members in Galicia and Asturias. It had a website from 2004 to 2010.
- An England Branch, based in London, was active from at least 2004 to 2007.
- There used to be a branch in Cape Breton Island, Canada. This is where a small community of Scottish Gaelic speakers still lives. This branch was not very active in October 2011, but efforts were made to restart it. By January 2015, it was active again.
Who Leads the Celtic League?
The Celtic League has different leaders who help run the organization. Here are some of the important roles and who held them:
General Secretaries
The General Secretary is a very important role, like a chief organizer.
- Alan Heusaff: (1961–1984), from Brittany, later moved to Ireland.
- Bernard Moffatt: (1984–1988), from the Isle of Man.
- Davyth Fear: (1988–1990), from Cornwall.
- Séamas Ó Coileáin: (1990–1991), from Ireland.
- Bernard Moffat: (1991–2006), from the Isle of Man.
- Rhisiart Tal-e-bot: (2006 – present), from Wales, later moved to Cornwall.
Editors of Carn
Carn is a publication that started in 1973. The editor is in charge of it.
- Frang MacThòmais: (1973–1974), from Scotland.
- Pádraig Ó Snodaigh: (1974–1977), from Ireland.
- Cathal Ó Luain: (1977–1981), from Ireland.
- Pedyr Pryor: (1981–1984), from Cornwall.
- Pat Bridson: (1984–2013), from the Isle of Man, later moved to Ireland.
- Rhisiart Tal-e-bot: (2013–present), from Cornwall.
Other Important Roles
The Celtic League used to have a president and vice-president from 1961 to 1971. These roles were then removed. Gwynfor Evans (from Wales) was the president, and Robert McIntyre (from Scotland) was the vice-president during this time. A new role, chairman, was created in 1972 and held by Pádraig Ó Conchúir (from Ireland) until 1978, when it was also removed.
As of August 2008, J. B. Moffatt was serving as the organization's director of information.
See also
In Spanish: Liga céltica (organización) para niños
- Celtic union
- Pan-Celticism
