An Comunn Gàidhealach Publications > Deo-gréine > Volume 13, October 1917-September 1918

AN DEO-GREINE.
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most successful. The usual annual Mod of An
Comunn is still in abeyance on account of the
war, but there is a sense in which Juvenile
Mods of the kind recently held produce more
lasting results, and it is to be hoped they will
be continued from year to year. We have all
along contended for increased attention to the
claims of the children. It is to them we have
to look for the ultimate success of our move-
ment. If we can awaken youthful enthusiasm
for Gaelic, we are on the high road to success.
Greybeards and middle-aged men are no doubt
necessary and most useful for oiling the
machinery, but they are apt sometimes to be
stereotyped in ideas, and they naturally lack
the warmth that is so easily kindled in the
hearts of children as they are passing through
that important period of life when formative
elements enter so largely, and when they are
ready to respond to direction. Let us therefore
do all in our power to keep an eye on schools
and children, not forgetting the teachers in
whose hands success largely lies. No doubt
several teachers throughout the Highlands are
doing most useful work in the Gaelic cause,
and deserve every encouragement—more than
they have got perhaps—but unfortunately some
are still in a state of indifference. Let us hope
that the Education Bill may bring about such a
change as will help not only the language, but
those who teach it. Our motto should be
“ Keep your eye on Youth,” and the rest will
follow. Parents could be of much help in this
direction, and it is surely time for them now to
rid themselves of the idea that a knowledge of
Gaelic is a hindrance to the acquisition of
English and to success in life. The absurdity
of this delusion has been often exposed in our
pages, but delusions seem to be difficult to kill.
We believe, however, that they will eventually
die as saner ideas take root, and as education
improves.
Subjoined are the results of the Mods at the
various centres.
KILLIN.
A very successful Mod was held at Killin. The
Mod was organised by the local branch of An
Comunn Gaidhealach, and was open to com¬
petitors from the various districts of the parish
of Killin, including Tyndrum, Crianlarich,
Lawers and Ardeonaig- In all forty six
competitors, senior and junior, entered with
zest and enthusiasm into the work of the day.
Very interesting and keenly contested competi¬
tions took place in Gaelic reading, letter writing,
dictation from Scripture, recitation, conversa¬
tion and story telling, as well as in singing and
instrumental music. The readings and recita¬
tions were quite a strong feature of the Mod,
and were in many cases extremely effective and
enjoyable. One of the memorable events of a
delightful day was a recitation by a native of an
old local story, given in real Breadalbane Gaelic
with inimitable humour. The singers, both
junior and senior, showed a high standard of
musical culture, and their performances were
greatly enjoyed by a large audience of about 200
people. The players at the piano won golden
opinions from the judges. Any of them would
have a good chance of distinction at the
National Mod for their excellent rendering of
Gaelic music.
Much credit is due to the members and office¬
bearers of the local branch of An Comunn for
their work on behalf of the old language of the
Gael and for this so successful demonstration of
its charm, power and beauty alike in prose and
poetry, at the first Mod ever held in Killin.
Hearty recognition is specially due to the Rev.
G. A. MacKay, whose untiring zeal in the Gaelic
cause is well known, and to whose efforts much
of the success of this Mod is due.
The judges were the Rev. Mr. Munro, Taynuilt,
and Mr. D. Macphie.
I. Junior Section.
Prose Reading — i, Maggie Stewart, Glen-
lochay; 2, Janet M‘Intyre, Daldravaig; 3, Mar¬
garet Stewart, Morenish.
Recitation—1, Kate Stewart, Killin, 2, Jessie
Dewar, do.; 3, Isa M'lntyre, do.
Conversation—I, Lucy M'Pherson, Killin; 2,
Jessie Dewar, do.; 3, Maggie Cameron, do.
Dictation — Five competitors were equal ■—
Misses M'lntyre, M'Diarmid, Stewart, Dewar
and M'Intyre.
II. Senior Section.
Prose Reading—1, Mrs. Malloch, Crianlarich;
2, Mrs. M'Gregor, Morenish; 3, Mr. M‘Arthur,
Killin.
Recitation—1, Mrs. Malloch, Crianlarich; 2,
Miss Campbell, Killin; 3, G. M'Intyre, Daldra¬
vaig.
Story Telling—1, John Stewart, Morenish; 2,
Mrs. Malloch, Crianlarich.
Gaelic Letter—1, Miss M'William, Killin; 2,
Mrs. Walker, do.; 3, Mr. M‘Gregor, Ardeonaig.
Solo Singing—1, Miss M‘Naughton, Killin; 2,
Mrs. Malloch, Crianlarich; 3, Mrs. Cameron,
Tirarthur.
Piano Playing—1, Miss Stewart, Crianlarich;
2, Miss Stewart, Killin; 3, Miss Dow, Crian¬
larich.
III. Confined to Learners of Gaelic.
Juniors.
Prose Reading—1, Alex. M'Intyre, Killin; 2,
Ina MHntyre, do.; 3, Mary M'Farlane, do.
Recitation—1, James M‘Gregor, Acharn ; 2,
Archibald M'Gregor, do.
Solo Singing (Girls)—1, Isa M'Intyre, Killin;
2, Katie M‘Intyre, do.
Duet Singing — 1, Peggie M'Kay and Lily
M'Kay, Crianlarich; 2, Bessie M'Intyre and Isa
M‘Intyre, Killin; 3, Alexa M'Intyre and Ina
M'Intyre, Killin.
Solo Singing—1, Mary M'Farlane and Annie
Nicholson (equal).
Piano Playing—Janet M'Farlane, Killin.
Seniors—Prose Reading—1, Miss Campbell,
Killin; 2, Miss Ferguson, do.; 3, Mr. M'Raw,
do.
OBAN HIGH SCHOOL.
Teachers—Miss MacQueen, Oban High School;
Miss MacCallum, Rockfield School.