Feasta

Feasta is an Irish-language magazine that was established in 1948. Its purpose is the furtherance of the aims of the Gaelic League, an objective reflecting the cultural nationalism of the language movement, and the promotion of new writing. Feasta describes itself as a review of Irish thought, literature, politics, and science (Reiviú den Smaointeachas Éireannach - litríocht, polaitíocht, eolaíocht).[1] Until recently it was supported by Foras na Gaeilge, but this support was withdrawn because of a review of funding priorities.[2] At present the magazine relies on its own resources.[3]

History

Feasta's foundation in the 1940s reflected the progress made in Irish-language journalism and writing generally since the Gaelic Revival. Together with other journals such as Comhar, it was an agent in adapting the language to the requirements of the modern world, and helped determine the course of Irish-language writing.[4]

The magazine has had many editors, the latest (since 1996) being the poet and educationalist Pádraig Mac Fhearghusa.

Despite its links with the Gaelic League, Feasta functions as an independent magazine and notes that the views expressed therein are not necessarily those of the League itself.

Scope

Feasta publishes literary criticism, reviews, and social and political commentary, with some regular columnists. Social and cultural events relating to the Irish language are also covered. Poetry is published regularly and past contributors have included Máirtín Ó Direáin, Máire Mhac an tSaoi, Seán Ó Ríordáin, and Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill.[5] The magazine also publishes short fiction, with particular emphasis on new writing. Despite its general emphasis on the linguistic and cultural situation in Ireland, Feasta publishes Irish-language material from overseas when available.[6] The magazine also carries advertising by Irish-language publishers.

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.feasta.ie/ Retrieved on 13 January 2011
  2. ↑ Ferdie Mac an Fhailigh (Chief Executive of Foras na Gaeilge): ‘Promotion of Irish online and through publications must be strategic,’ Irish Times, 2 May 2014: http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/promotion-of-irish-online-and-through-publications-must-be-strategic-1.1780572
  3. ↑ 'Litir do Chairde Feasta,' Feasta, Meitheamh 2014, p. 27.
  4. ↑ Mac Congáil, Nollaig (2003). Feasta, Innéacs 1948 - 2000. Feasta. p. 8. Chuidigh na foilseacháin sin ach go háirithe leis an Ghaeilge a thabhairt isteach sa nuaré agus dúshraith bhuan a leagan dár tharla i gcinniúint fhoilsitheoireacht agus scríbhneoireacht na Gaeilge ó shin.
  5. ↑ Mac Congáil, Nollaig (2003). Feasta, Innéacs 1948 - 2000. Feasta. p. 10.
  6. ↑ Such material usually consists of short fiction and poetry: see, for example, Feasta, Imleabhar 63, Uimhir 2, Feabhra 2010, and Imleabhar 63, Uimhir 4, Aibreán 2010.

Further reading

External links