Kevin,

I have An tOileánach only in Irish. Did Ó Criomhthain also write a version in English? Or is your translation above from someone else? Either way, I'd love to find the version i mBéarla that you're quoting. Can you send me the information on it, please?

And as far as any criticisim of the older works in a syllabus of Irish literature -- how they hold up to a critical examination today does nothing to decrease the fact that they preserved the traditions and language of a world now lost forever. And as I read the most current "literary" offerings as Gaeilge, I'm often disappointed that these modern authors do not have the same emotion and sense of the language that the older writers had. It seems that many of the new authors feel a need to see who can be more esoteric and use the most archane words possible, instead of just telling a good story the best way they can.

Jumping off my soapbox now, Áine