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Project explores Irish and Welsh Celtic links
By Siobhan Breatnach
For many years the only thing linking the Irish with their Welsh counterparts
was a shared love of rugby but now thanks to a new research project natives
from both countries are set to discover their Celtic connection lies much
deeper.
Irish people have long represented the largest single group of emigrants
to play a part in the story of Wales.
And this week Cardiff University has launched the first Ireland-Wales
Research Network to explore the creative, cultural and political relationships
between the two nations.
The network, in partnership with Aberystwyth University, aims to develop
a deeper awareness of the overlapping histories of Wales and Ireland and
thereby contribute to a fuller understanding of the complex and connected
histories of Britain and Ireland.
Dr Claire Connolly from Cardiff University’s School of English,
Communication and Philosophy said: “For a long time the only thing
people in Ireland knew about Wales was their love of rugby.
“Somehow though, we have ended up talking about being Celtic soulmates,
and we want to look at this link by considering the differences and similarities
between parts of Ireland and Wales.”
Cardiff University has long been recognised as one of Britain’s
leading teaching and research universities and within the School of English,
Communication and Philosophy staff are internationally recognised in many
fields including Celtic literature in English; critical and cultural theory.
Dr Connolly said: “At a time of constitutional change this research
network will contribute to the wider rethinking of the British and Irish
past in the light of our devolved present.”
Funded by The Arts and Humanities Research Council the network was launched
last week at a reception at the Consulate General of Ireland in Wales.
Consul General of Ireland in Wales Colm McGrady said: “This is a
very timely and important initiative.
“Wales and Ireland share much in terms of our cultural heritage.
“The network will undoubtedly contribute to a wider and deeper understanding
of the rich tapestry of these links.
“I am very pleased to have been supportive of this initiative and
to host the launch of the Ireland-Wales Research Network.”
The Network will also host a variety of public events, starting on Friday,
December 14 with a reading by Pulitzer-prize winning Northern Irish poet
Paul Muldoon at Cardiff University Concert Hall, Corbett Road. |
