Leanaibh dlùth ri cliu ar sinnsir. Sean fhacal ann an Gàidhlig, agus bunaid air a bheil sinne mar Cheiltich a’ togail gach latha a dh’aindeòin ciamar a tha an saoghal mun cuairt oirnn a’ tionndadh.
Tha mi air leth toilichte a bhith nur cuideachd agus glè mhothachail air cho deiteamach is a tha e gun cùm sinn an dàimh eadar priòmh fhèisean nan dùthchanan Cheilteach. Tha e an dà chuid na chothrom tlachd agus ionnsachaidh. Tha e a’ toirt buidheachas mòr dhomh a bhith am measg ceol, rosg is bàrdachd na Cumrigh, a tha bogte anns an dualchas le iomhaigh is tuigse an latha an diugh. Chaneil mòran a tha a’ cur ri beartais cànain na an luchd ealain a tha nar measg. Is iadsan le innleachd, a tha a toirt doimhneachd is sealladh air ar beatha laitheil agus a’ daingeachadh ar cheangal ri dùthaich agus ri dualchas.
Tha e a’ toirt sòlas mòr dhomh fhaicinn na tha an sàs anns an Eisteddfod do dh’oigridh agus cho ealanta agus taitneach a tha e a bhith dhan amharc agus dhan eisdeachd. Chaneil mòran aig na Gàidheil ri theagasg dha na Cuimrich - oir tha sibh riamh air a bhidh air thoiseachadh a thaobh leasachadh. Bha sgoiltean Cumreach agaibh fada romhainn, seirbheis reideo agus seirbheis telebhisean cuideachd. ‘Se aobhar misneachd a th’ann dhuinne gu bheil strì cànain gun fhaochadh an seo. Chanain nach tig crioch air an stri sin, ach nach solasachadh a bhith an seo am measg a’ bheartais a th’ann san Eisteddfod. Tha mi gu mòr nar comainn agus a’ guidhe gach soirbheachadh leibh.
Follow closely on our ancestors’ strong reputation. An old Gaelic proverb on which we Celts build every day, no matter what axis the world around us spins on.
I am delighted to be amongst you all and very aware of the importance of building strong relationships among the major language festivals in our Celtic nations. I am inspired by the music, prose, and poetry of Cymru, steeped in tradition but clearly reflective and relevant to contemporary life. Our artists must be among the most important craftspeople of our languages. With skill and imagination they give us depth and insight into everyday living and strengthen our bond to land and heritage.
It is always pleasing to be among young people - our future - and their enthusiasm for performance here is inspiring. As Gaels, we don’t have much to teach you. You fought for language schools and we followed; you had a radio and television service before we did and that spurred us on. It is heartening for us to note how you continue to champion the language, always understanding that it will always be important. However, these discussions are for another time. I am very much honoured to be in this joyful place, thank you very much for inviting me and I wish you continuing success in the future.