THE TAILTEANN GAMES

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6841, 23 April 1932, Page 10

THE TAILTEANN GAMES

A Famous Institution In Ancient Ireland

GREAT GATHERING EXPECTED AT DUBLIN IN JUNE

Following the Eucharistic Congress, which is expected to bring tens of thousands, of visitors to Dublin this year, the Tailteann Games are likely to attract more entries and more spectators than ever before (writes a Dublin correspondent of an English paper). The games will begin on June 2!) and continue for a fortnight. In addition to those in various branches of athletics, there are to be competitions in arts and crafts, the drama, music, dancing and industries. Aonach Tailteann (to give its Gaelic name) was a famous institution in ancient Ireland. It was first held in 032 8.C., when Lugh of the Long Arm summoned a great festival in honour of his foster-mother, the beautiful Queen Tailte. It continued almost without interruption for a week each year, till about the time of the Norman invasion. All the clans of Ireland participated, and even when wars between rival chieftains were afoot the sword was laid temporarily aside while the youth and beauty, the skilled and (he learned, assembled on the festival ground in County Meath. , Little wonder, then, that in the rising tide of national feeing which Ireland experienced after the Great War, the inspiration of olden glories produced a revival of the Tailteann fair. Hardly had the civil war of 1922-3 died down than preparations were begun, and in 1924 the games were once more in progress. There were 6500 competitors and over 2000 trophies and prizes were distributed. In spite of many disturbing factors, the revival was a great success, and it 'was resolved that the Aonach be renewed every four years. Experience helped the promoters in 1928 when another step forward was recorded; in the dancing competitions alone there were 2000 competitors and no fewer than 10 nations were represented in the field and track events. Some of the world’s greatest athletes were in the arena, and numerous records were established. Perhaps the finest feature of the revived festival is the absence of party spirit; members of all parties in the country join heartily in the organising work and in the competitions. With the great influx of visitors this year, it is certain that the games will touch the highest point of success.