Republican News · Thursday 26 June 2003

Irish Video Library launched in Belfast

A North Belfast cultural society is appealing for the assistance of the Irish speaking community in launching an exciting new project.

The McCracken Cultural Society has come up with the novel idea of creating a Leabharlann Fisean - an Irish language video library - and they are appealing to the public for donations.

Mícheál Ó Domhnaill, the project's director, says the idea is simplicity itself.

"We assemble a selection of videos in Irish, and Irish enthusiasts and learners drop by and borrow them," he says. "In principle, the service will be free, but a refundable deposit might be required.

"At present, there is no funding for this project so an appeal is being made to the Irish language community to donate or lend whatever videos they may have in Irish - films, TV programmes, even cartoons. If you haven't any, then donate a blank tape!"

Although the project is still in its initial stages, the McCracken Cultural Society has big plans for the library.

"The Leabharlann Fisean will cater for the needs of adults mainly, but resources permitting, schoolgoers and younger children will be included in the future," says Ó Domhnaill. "It's intended to have sections for Biography, History, Sport, Music, Culture, Gaeltacht Life, Learning Irish and Films.

"If the authorities won't respond to the needs of Irish speakers, then we'll have to do it ourselves, and that's what this project is about."

The video library will be located in the old Manse, Duncairn Avenue. If you have tapes to donate or wish to help, you can ring Mícheál at 07811382971, or contact the McCracken Cultural Society, 174 Trust, Duncairn Avenue, Belfast, BT14 6BPENDS.