They want us to look back. Look back and think about the last year, the last 100 years.
Two separate parties on the same day, in the same square, to mark the passing of time.
Aimsir ╙g is a literary, cultural yearbook in two volumes comprising work by 100 writers. It sets out to mark the year just gone. Published by CoiscΘim, edited by Micheβl ╙ Cear·il, it was launched at a party in Foras na Gaeilge, in Dublin's Merrion Square earlier this week.
Earlier in the day in the Commons Restaurant on Stephen's Green, two new history books produced by RT╔ were launched by S∅le de Valera TD, the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. 100 years: Ireland in the 20th Century and its twin, 100 Bliain: ╔ire san 20· hAois. Both of these books are published by Townhouse.
Spotted at the Foras na Gaeilge bash were members of the rock group Kila and their occasional drummer from Buenos Aires, photographer Marcelo Biglia. The boys will play at the Point Depot on November 7th for Amnesty International. Marcus Mac Conghail, with his daughter Seirce O'Brien (3), was also there. He and his brother, C·βn Mac Conghail, of Macalla Films, are currently translating The Muppet Show into Irish for transmission on Friday on TG4. Tune in at 4.30 p.m. Maybe it's time to face the music, mar a deir siad. Man-um-an-um.