Response to criticism of ‘An Bhfuil Cead Agam?’

Below is a compendium of answers I’ve given in response to questions, accusations and denunciations the An Bhfuil Cead Agam? documentary has elicited on Twitter. All of it is accurate to the best of my knowledge. And I’m sure if I’ve slipped up anywhere… the language lobby will be far too polite to point it out.

But first, let’s recap. In An Bhfuil Cead Agam? I stated that the notion Irish is our first language is patently false and frequently a source of havoc in our public life. I described Pearse’s oft-quoted “Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam” maxim as a nonsense. Read the rest of this entry »

Published: The Journal, October 6 2016

An Bhfuil Cead Agam?

WITH THIS SHORT film, director Paul Duane and I are hoping to accomplish the near impossible.That is, to start a conversation about the Irish language that is rational, unswayed by emotion, dogma or any political agenda, and informed by the facts as they are, rather than how we might wish them to be.

Like every Irish kid, I was required to study the language for thirteen years in school. I needed Irish to secure a place in university. So I spent a couple of summers in the Gaeltacht and learned it well enough to get an honour in my Leaving Cert. And there, pretty much, ended my engagement with the language. Read the rest of this entry »

Published: Dublin Review, Autumn 2015

Border Controls

“I’m standing there, half asleep, in my t-shirt and boxer shorts, relieving myself in the dirt when I spot three Middle Eastern guys… If they were initially walking towards the truck, they’ve changed course slightly now. They smile at having caught me in such an awkward position. I smile back at them and put my finger to my lips.” (Calais, August 2015.)

Read full piece To Calais and Back