GAELIC TONGUE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21359, 12 June 1931, Page 7

GAELIC TONGUE

NOT IRELAND’S OWN : 7 ' * ’ . . \ ■(. LONDON, June 5. The Bail Eireann received the shock of-its young life when Dr Hennessy declared that Gaelic was not Ireland’s original language. “ Professor Mae Nell, the Governor-General’s brother, will tell you that the first Celts landed in Ireland between 500 and 600 b.c.,” he added. “They spoke a language akin to Latin. I challenge any scholar to state when Gaelic was first spoken in our proud island story.” Gaelic enthusiasts remained silent. Dr Hennessy added that the greatest Irishman of all time, Colubcille, wrote Latin, but translates of his works had been palmed off as if written in Gaelic. “That is bad enough,” he continued, "but the people.responsibleifor the introduction of Gaelic were most undesirable invaders from the Baltic Sea, chiefly a teutonic rabble. Ireland would be much better off if they had not landed, yet because it .was used in Ireland’s golden age I am willing to see Gaelic given proper place in the schools and colleges. Some are inclined to go too far, * however, including the advertisers for an ophthalmic surgeon for the schools, who suggested that a knowledge of Gaelic probably would ensure engagement.”