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 started in 1961. It works to celebrate and protect the unique culture and identity of modern Celtic people. These people live in six special areas called the Celtic nations. These are Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man.
A big part of the Celtic League's work is to help keep the Celtic languages alive and strong. They also want these Celtic nations to have more control over their own affairs. In the future, they hope each nation can become an independent country. The Celtic League is also a recognized group that works with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
Contents
What the Celtic League Wants to Achieve
The Celtic League has several important goals. They want to:
- Help Celtic people work together.
- Make people more aware of the special connection and friendship between Celtic nations.
- Share the successes and challenges of their nations with the rest of the world.
- Create a formal group of Celtic nations once two or more become self-governing.
- Make sure each Celtic country uses its own resources to help all its people.
The Celtic League understands that each Celtic nation has a different history. So, they don't expect everyone to think the same way. They believe that allowing different ideas helps them find ways to work together. This way, they can create policies that give people and communities more freedom.
Politically, the Celtic League hopes to see six independent countries. These countries would be the six Celtic nations they support. They imagine these nations working together in some way, like the Nordic Council does.
In 1987, the Celtic League said its main job is to bring their languages back to a strong position. They also want enough control over their economy, culture, and politics. This control would help their unique way of life continue into the future. Focusing on their languages shows that they are distinct cultural groups and nations.
History of the Celtic League
The Celtic League was founded in 1961. It grew from other groups that also focused on Celtic culture. However, the Celtic League had a stronger focus on politics. Before this, people like Hugh MacDiarmid had suggested similar ideas.
The Celtic League officially started 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 it were Gwynfor Evans and J. E. Jones. They were leaders of the Welsh nationalist party, Plaid Cymru, at the time. People from Scotland and Brittany also showed interest in joining.
Celtic League Branches
The Celtic League has six main branches, one in each Celtic country. They are often known by their Celtic language names. For example, the branch in Ireland is called Éire. Scotland's branch is Alba, Wales's is Cymru, Brittany's is Breizh, Cornwall's is Kernow, and the Isle of Man's is Mannin or Mann.
In 1987, the Celtic League decided not to include regions like Galicia and Asturias in Spain. They felt that their main goal of helping Celtic languages and gaining political control would be weakened. They encouraged these regions to develop their Celtic heritage. They hoped this would bring support for their goals. In Spain, there are no living Celtic languages today.
There are also branches for Celtic people living in other parts of the world. These are called diaspora branches.
- A branch was started in Patagonia, Argentina, in late 2009. This area is home to a Welsh colony.
- The Celtic League, American Branch (CLAB) began in New York City in 1974. It used to organize events like the Pan-Celtic Conference.
- There is an International Branch for people living far from the main national branches.
- There used to be a branch in Cape Breton Island, Canada. This area has a small community of Scottish Gaelic speakers.
Political Status of Celtic Nations
The six Celtic nations have different levels of self-rule. The United Kingdom and France have traditionally been very centralized countries.
Here's how much control each Celtic nation has:
- Ireland:
- The Republic of Ireland (26 counties) is a fully independent country.
- Northern Ireland (6 counties) has its own local government. It was directly ruled by the UK for a time due to political problems. Since 1998, it has had its own Assembly.
- The Isle of Man is a British Crown Dependency. This means it governs itself but is linked to the UK. It is not officially part of the UK.
- Scotland has its own Scottish Parliament since 1999. However, people in Scotland voted against becoming a fully independent country in 2014.
- Wales has its own Parliament (called the Senedd) since 1999.
There is also a campaign for a Cornish Assembly in Cornwall. Many people have signed petitions asking for more self-rule for Cornwall. Leaders have recognized that Cornwall has a "special case" for more local control.
Three of the Celtic nations (Scotland, Wales, Cornwall) are completely within the United Kingdom. Northern Ireland is partly in the UK. The Isle of Man is a British dependency. Brittany is part of France and does not have its own laws. However, some parts of Brittany have financial control. The Republic of Ireland is completely independent.
Leaders of the Celtic League
The letters after names show their nationality:
- B – Breton
- C – Cornish
- I – Irish
- M – Manx
- S – Scottish
- W – Welsh
An arrow means the person moved to another Celtic country.
General Secretaries
- Alan Heusaff: (1961–1984), B→I
- Bernard Moffatt: (1984–1988), M
- Davyth Fear: (1988–1990), C
- Séamas Ó Coileáin: (1990–1991), I
- Bernard Moffat: (1991–2006), M
- Rhisiart Tal-e-bot: (2006 – present), W→C
Editors of Carn (Started 1973)
- Frang MacThòmais: (1973–1974), S
- Pádraig Ó Snodaigh: (1974–1977), I
- Cathal Ó Luain: (1977–1981), I
- Pedyr Pryor: (1981–1984), C
- Pat Bridson: (1984–2013), M→I
- Rhisiart Tal-e-bot: (2013–present), C
See also
- Celtic union
- Pan-Celticism
- List of movements in Wales
