Féile na Cincíse – Traidisiún Athmhúscailte, Todhchaí á Cruthú
le Eibhlínn Ó Lionaird, Plean Teanga Mhúscraí
I ndiaidh blianta fada ina raibh Féile na Cincíse ina cuimhne seachas ina ceiliúradh beo, tháinig an traidisiún chun solais arís i mBaile Mhúirne i mBealtaine 2025. Ní athbheochan amháin a bhí ann, ach tús úr – deis chun féachaint siar ar an oidhreacht shaibhir atá fágtha againn agus chun samhlú le chéile cén chuma ba cheart a bheith ar Fhéile na Cincíse don chéad ghlúin eile.
Le linn an deireadh seachtaine, ón 23ú go dtí an 25ú Bealtaine, líonadh an ceantar le fuinneamh, le gáire agus le comhluadar. Thug daoine óga agus aosta aghaidh ar na himeachtaí éagsúla – ó Speed Gaeilge agus siúlóidí maidine go Rith le Spraoi, Scoiríocht na Cincíse,BBQ pobail, Margadh na Cincíse agus siamsaíocht den chéad scoth. Ba léir ón atmaisféar gur mhúscail an fhéile rud éigin speisialta sa phobal agus gur chruthaigh sí spás ina raibh an teanga, an cultúr agus an pobal fite fuaite le chéile arís.
Ba chéim thábhachtach í seo, ach níl anseo ach an tús. Tá deis anois againn féile a chruthú a bheidh dílis dá fréamhacha agus ag an am céanna oscailte do smaointe nua, do chruthaitheacht agus do rannpháirtíocht an phobail. Ní le grúpa beag daoine amháin a bhaineann todhchaí na Cincíse; is leis an bpobal ar fad í.
Leis sin san áireamh, tá sé beartaithe cruinniú oscailte pobail agus seisiún smaointeoireachta a reáchtáil Dé Céadaoin, 16 Meán Fómhair 2026 ag 7.00pm i gCampas Íosagáin. Tabharfaidh sé sin deis do dhaoine a bhfís féin don fhéile a roinnt agus páirt ghníomhach a ghlacadh i múnlú na chéad chaibidle eile. Tá fáilte roimh gach smaoineamh – idir smaointe móra agus bheaga – mar creidimid gurb as an gcomhoibriú agus as samhlaíocht an phobail a thiocfaidh neart agus rath na féile amach anseo.
Agus muid ag breathnú chun cinn i dtreo 2027, tá sé mar aidhm againn tógáil ar an méid a baineadh amach i mbliana agus Féile na Cincíse a fhorbairt mar imeacht uathúil a thabharfaidh daoine le chéile, a neartóidh an Ghaeilge agus a dhéanfaidh ceiliúradh ar spiorad beo Mhúscraí.
Tá an chéad chéim tógtha againn; anois tá sé in am an turas a leanúint le chéile!
ENGLISH COPY
After many years in which the Whitsun existed more as a memory than a living celebration, the tradition returned to Baile Mhúirne in May 2025. It was not simply a revival, but a fresh beginning – an opportunity to reflect on the rich heritage we have inherited and to imagine together what the Whitsun Festival should look like for the next generation.
Throughout the weekend, from 23rd to 25th May, the area was filled with energy, laughter, and community spirit. Young and old alike took part in a wide range of events – from Speed Gaeilge and morning walks to the Fun Run, the Cincíse Scór competition, a community BBQ, the Whitsun Market, and top-class entertainment. The atmosphere made it clear that the festival had awakened something special within the community, creating a space where language, culture, and community were once again woven together.
This was an important milestone, but it is only the beginning. We now have an opportunity to build a festival that remains true to its roots while also embracing new ideas, creativity, and community participation. The future of the festival does not belong to a small group of people; it belongs to the entire community.
With this in mind, an open community meeting and brainstorming session is planned for Wednesday, 16th September 2026 at 7:00pm in Campas Íosagáin. This will provide an opportunity for people to share their vision for the festival and to play an active role in shaping its next chapter. All ideas are welcome – both large and small – as we believe that the future strength and success of the festival will come from community collaboration and imagination.
As we look ahead to 2027, our aim is to build on what was achieved this year and continue developing the Whitsun Festival as a unique event that brings people together, strengthens the Irish language, and celebrates the living spirit of Múscraí.
The first step has been taken; now it is time to continue the journey together.
