Lecture on Douglas Hyde and the Celtic Revival

Introduction to the Celtic Revival

• National movement over a hundred years ago
• Focused on Irish identity through literature, painting, sports, and language

Key Figure: Douglas Hyde

• First President of Ireland and President of the Gaelic League (Conradh na Gaeilge)
• Protestant and unionist background

The Decline of the Irish Language

• Language seen as a badge of ignorance post-Famine
• Many Irish speakers died or emigrated

Early Life and Education

• Born in County Roscommon in 1860 to a Church of Ireland clergyman
• Home-schooled, learned Greek and Latin
• Influence from local gamekeeper Seamus Hart

Hyde's Passion for the Irish Language

• Diaries detailing his learning of Irish
• Involved in society for preservation of the Irish language
• Published poems and translations

The Revival of Irish Identity

• Language links to national identity
• Hyde argued Irishness is linked to the language

Founding of the Gaelic League (1893)

• Aimed to preserve and revive Irish language
• Initially non-political

Political Challenges

• IRB wanted to use language for separation from Britain
• Internal conflicts led to Hyde's resignation

Easter Rising and Aftermath

• Hyde opposed the Rising
• Described events in his diary

Later Life

• Served as a senator
• Became first President of Ireland in 1938

Controversies and Legacy

• Expulsion from GAA due to attending a soccer match
• Non-sectarian vision often unappreciated
• Funeral controversy highlights sectarian issues

Hyde's Impact on Modern Ireland

• Changes in GAA and Conradh na Gaeilge reflect Hyde’s ideas
• Emphasis on Irish identity beyond language

Conclusion

• Hyde’s legacy: decency, tolerance, and a broad vision for Irish identity
• Continued relevance in a pluralistic society