TG4 recently broadcast a new documentary marking 70 years of the Irish language and cultural organisation Gael Linn. Toner Quinn reviews.

This is a critical moment for Gael Linn and its relationship to traditional music. Despite its record label having a catalogue of over 300 recordings, plenty of them now classics, ten years ago Foras na Gaeilge designated the organisation’s future role as focusing on education. What then is going to happen to the label?

Gael Linn did not set out to be one of Ireland’s iconic record labels when it started out in 1953. The organisation was many things, all with the aim of revitalising the Irish language. It was when one of its founders, Riobard Mac Góráin, saw that more recordings of traditional music and song were needed for their sponsored Radio Éireann programme that they began issuing singles and albums. This initiative arrived at an extraordinary time. Seán Ó Riada and the folk revival were gathering momentum and Gael Linn was well positioned to meet demand. Their roster included everything from Ceoltóirí Chualann to Clannad. Mac Góráin ran that label for 43 years.