Nationalism
Nationalism is a word which readers will find oft-repeated in the original articles which comprise An Claíomh Solais, and this may lead to some confusion, since great efforts have been made of late to redefine the word “nationalism” and transform its meaning into a pejorative, negative and undesirable one.
The interpretation certain parties have tried to impose upon the word nationalism is that of an aggressive and xenophobic tribal instinct, opposed to any culture not its own, and which defines itself and measures its success only by the harm it can cause to others.
Those who would have otherwise described themselves as nationalists have recently fallen back on the somewhat milder term of “patriot”, although they are hard-pressed to explain the difference when asked.
It is thus worth taking a moment to correctly define nationalism, both in its historical sense and in the sense it still has today, despite the best efforts of those who would have difficulty finding gainful employment beyond the ill use to which they put their limited faculties.
Nationalism in the only correct sense is an idea and movement that holds that the nation should be congruent with the state. As a movement, it tends to promote the interests of a particular nation (as in a group of people), especially with the aim of gaining and maintaining the nation's sovereignty (self-governance) over its perceived homeland to create a nation-state.
It holds that each nation should govern itself, free from outside interference (self-determination), that a nation is a natural and ideal basis for a polity, and that the nation is the only rightful source of political power.
It further aims to build and maintain a single national identity, based on a combination of shared social characteristics such as culture, ethnicity, geographic location, language, politics (or the government), religion, traditions and belief in a shared singular history, and to promote national unity or solidarity.
Nationalism, therefore, seeks to preserve and foster a nation's traditional culture.
The opposite or opposing force to nationalism can, according to its correct definition, only be colonialist hegemonic imperialism, the aggressive imposition of hostile overt or subversive exterior forces upon a nation with the intent to disrupt and destroy that nation, invariably for the purposes of gross profit.
This Irish nationalist publication invites those who are invested in fostering an alternative definition to take their sentiments to any developing country in the world and gauge the value of their efforts by the response they get.
The Irish nationalist project is not a 'petty nationalist' project but a civilisational project - at heart it has always been about the restoration of a distinct civilisation.
Images like those portrayed in the Book of Kells are of real value as an opening key to appreciating that complex and intricate civilisation. Visual monuments of this sort are the most accessible means of entering into imaginative sympathy with those who came before, and a first step toward a realisation of the return of Gaelic culture.
The project will follow in their footsteps along the path laid down by Hyde, O'Conaire, MacNeill, Cusack and many others through sharing news, ideas, articles of Irish cultural interest and more, as well as helping to support Irish language and cultural initiatives. You can find out more about An Claíomh Solais by clicking on the buttons below, or join our team as we begin the great Gaelic restoration!
An interview with Rob Carry
Good afternoon! As part of our ongoing series on rising nationalist stars and voices in Ireland, we're delighted to be able to introduce local community activist, businessman and politician, Rob Carry!
We've been talking about his amazing work for and with his community, as well as his aspirations and plans for the future.
ACS: Can you tell us a little about yourself, your background, and where you're coming from?
RC: Sure. So I’m a small business owner (I run a commercial gym, a martial arts club
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An Interview with Gavin from Offgrid Ireland
Good morning and welcome to another in our series of interviews with prominent figures and rising stars in modern Irish nationalism!
Today we're talking to Gavin from a prominent and influential online discussion group, the X SPACES Éire Community. This very active group has at one time or another hosted many well-known nationalist names and continues to grow in both size and influence.
ACS: Can you share with our readers some of your background and a little about who you are?
OI: I am an Offaly man, born and bred, now in my la
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A New Voice For Ireland
We are pleased to introduce a new rising star among Irish nationalists - although she needs no introduction for many of you who have attended Irish Ireland protests recently - Ciara Ní Mhainnín! Her uncompromising voice offers a clear challenge to the establishment and a great example for us all to follow.
Ciara very kindly took the time to join us in an online interview, which we are delighted to publish here.
ACS: What made you decide to get involved with the Irish Ireland cause, was there one particular event or was it more of a process?
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The last address of Thomas MacDonagh
There is not much left to say. The Proclamation of the Irish Republic has been adduced in evidence against me as one of the Signatories. I adhere to every statement in the Proclamation. You think it already a dead and buried letter, but it lives, it lives. From minds alight with Ireland’s vivid intellect it sprang; in hearts aflame with Ireland’s mighty love it was conceived. Such documents do not die.
The British occupation of Ireland has never for more than one hundred years been compelled to confront in the field of fight a Rising so formidable as that which overwhe
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From A Hermitage - DECEMBER 1913
I was once stranded on a desert island with a single companion. When two people are stranded on a desert island they naturally converse. We conversed. We sat on a stony beach and talked for hours. When we had exhausted all the unimportant subjects either of us could think of, we commenced to talk about important subjects. (I have observed that even on a desert island it is not considered good form to talk of important things while unimportant things remain to be discussed.)
We had very different points of views, and very different temperaments. I was a boy; my companion was
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On Emigration
From An Claidheamh Soluis, July 18, 1903.
In a letter to the Freeman’s Journal of Friday last, the Hon. Secretary of the Anti-Emigration Society directs attention to the grim figures revealed by the latest emigration returns issued by the Board of Trade.
‘They show,’ she writes, ‘that 23,401 Irish emigrants left the United Kingdom in the first six months of the current year as against 20,610 in the corresponding period of 1902, and that the outflow has therefore increased by 2,791 for the half year. Over two thousand of this incr
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