| Gael Agus Gall... an introduction
Gael Agus Gall was
formed in the summer of 1995 by a group
of history enthusiasts keen to bring back
to life the ways of our ancestors from a
thousand years ago.
The name Gael Agus Gall, which translates
literally as “Irish and
Foreigner”, derives from a 12th.
century manuscript entitled “Cogadh
Gaedel Re Gallaib”.
This name was chosen specifically to
represent both the Gaelic and Norse
elements of Irish society as it existed
over a thousand years ago.
Gaelic words such as “margad”
for market and “mangaire”
meaning dealer are derived from the Norse
language. Many Irish placenames –
Leixlip, Arklow, Strangford –
reflect a Norse influence, as do some
family names like McAuliffe –
“Son of Olaf” – or Cathal,
which is an adaptation of the Norse
“Ceitil”
These links give testimony to the
intermingling of the races and the
impression that the Lochlannach, or
Northmen, made on the local population.
If you would like to read a slightly
longer explanation of the strange hobby
of reenactment, click
here!
Gael Agus Gall would
like to acknowledge the generous grant
aid and support of
The Heritage Council, Kilkenny, Ireland.
Gael Agus Gall will be working on a
number of sustainable projects over the course of
the year.
Interesting results will be posted here. Watch this
space!
Don't forget to check out http://livinghistory.ie
- your complete guide to Irish re-enactment, run
by Irish re-enactors.
|
