New in print: The Gaelic cultures

The central theme of this book is the link, linguistically, between Ireland and Scotland. Dr McKee looks at the progression of the Gaelic languages in Scotland and the Six Counties. Despite being economically starved, both cultures have succeeded in keeping their languages and cultures alive.

Dr McKee points to the growing phenomenon of the gaelic culture in Belfast and Derry; in particular he looks at the growth of Irish medium schools. There are 37 naiscoileanna and 14 Bunscoileanna plus two meanscoilleanna in the Six Counties. The author is optimistic about the future of the cultures and why shouldn't he be - since the book's publication one more bunscoil has been launched in Derry and plans are in motion for more naiscoileanna.

Those of us interested in gaelic culture in the Six Counties and Scotland will be well armed with the statistics provided by Dr McKee.

This is an excellent study of the Gaelic cultures, easily read and with heart-warming information.

By Liam O'Faolain