Cre Na Cille

This is an audio product, which presents a dramatized version of the novel "Cre na Cille". 2006 is the centenary of the birth of one of the greatest modern Irish writers of our times, Mairtin O Cadhain.

As part of the centenary celebrations, a dramatized version of his outstanding novel, "Cre na Cille", has been published on CD by Clo Iar Chonnachta in conjunction with RTE Raidio na Gaeltachta. "Cre na Cille" is widely considered to be one of the most important literary works in the canon of modern Irish literature.

Set in a graveyard in Conamara sometime in the late 1940s, its principal character is an old woman, Caitriona Phaidin.

On her burial, she finds a lively community of her already-dead neighbours below ground arguing between themselves over whatever issues were uppermost in their minds when they died.

As they continue their arguing and wrangling, newcomers to the graveyard impart the latest information about the world of the living.

It makes for lively exchanges and oft times hilarious repartee and razor-sharp dialogue between a motley crew of characters. In 1973, one year after RTE Raidio na Gaeltachta was founded, a dramatization for radio of "Cre na Cille" was produced by Johnny Choil Mhaidhc and Aisteoiri Chonamara.

It featured the cream of Conamara's acting talent with a cast of twenty six actors involved in over twenty five half-hour episodes.

This project illustrated the confidence and vision of the new radio station, which was still in its infancy.

The production has been revisited by RTE Raidio na Gaeltachta producer Mairtin Jaimsie O Flaithbheartaigh as part of the station's commemoration of O Cadhain's birth.

Twenty-ive episodes were broadcast on Sunday mornings from January to June of this year.

The production is now available as an 8 CD pack from Clo Iar Chonnachta and is published in conjunction with RTE Raidio na Gaeltachta.