📖 Ancient Restoration

"We did not strive to get out of that British domination of our affairs by outside force, nor we did not get out of that position to get into a worse one"- De Valera objecting to the potential of an European Parliament 1955

A 12th century panel depicting the Judgement of Solomon at Ardmore Cathedral, Waterford.

The Eucharistic Congress 1932, Irish flag flown from every building. Catholic gathering of clergy, religious, and laity to bear witness to the Real Presence of Jesus http://bit.ly/2mtLcMj

Christmas Eve 1601: Irish forces led by Hugh O'Neill and Ruadh O'Donnell are heavily defeated at the Battle of Kinsale - it marked the end of the native Gaelic order.

The Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord [Book of Kells, f7v, the oldest extant image of Mary in a Western manuscript]

Mistletoe used to be hung up in Irish homes & stables at Christmas to protect from the mischief of fairies and evil. Later on it became associated with the love, friendship, & goodwill we know today.

Mistletoe's one of the most magical & sacred plants of European folklore - The druids viewed it as a symbol of virility/healing & associated the tall oaks on which it grew with the thunder-god Taranis

Bringing evergreens into the home at Christmas is a custom of great antiquity. Holly, ivy and mistletoe were seen as life symbols and hugely symbolic for the well-being of the home for the coming year

Irish postal stamps celebrating Nollaig from 1970-80's. They did a fine job of honouring our Christian heritage with native images.

In Celtic nations winter is traditionally a time of honouring the dead. Masses are offered for the deceased & wreaths of evergreen lain on graves. The Scottish Gaelic word for this part of the year is 'an Dùbhlachd' - the great dark.

In Celtic nations winter is traditionally a time of honouring the dead. Masses are offered for the deceased & wreaths of evergreen lain on graves. The Scottish Gaelic word for this part of the year is 'an Dùbhlachd' - the great dark.