Colin Jerry, a pivotal figure in Manx cultural movement, dies

Colin Jerry, who died just before Christmas, was a pivotal figure in the Manx cultural movement for almost fifty years.

Having moved to the Isle of Man from England with his family to take up a teaching post he soon immersed himself in the Gaelic culture of the Island simultaneously realising what a parlous stage its future survival was at.

He learned the Manx language and became an accomplished Manx musician introducing new musical instruments (such as the Uilleann pipe) to the music scene. He also produced and published a series of song and music books (Kiaull yn Theay) and other pamphlets which became (and still are) an essential aid to the promotion and preservation of the Gaelic musical tradition of Mann.

He was uncompromising in his defence of the integrity of Manx music having committed himself to its promotion at a time when its fortunes looked bleak. He therefore had an understanding of the need to ensure that musical integrity - which is perhaps not as apparent to some younger musicians.

In addition to his 'hands on' involvement in the music scene, playing at sessions and for dancers he was also committed to the organisation and projection of Manx music and dance. He was a key figure in the early days of the reorganised Yn Chruinnaght and at an Inter-Celtic level for many years coordinated the Manx involvement in the Lorient Festival, ensuring that Manx music and dance featured more prominently outside Mann.

Aside from Manx music his commitment to the Manx language was also total. He produced articles in Manx (and English), mainly commenting on the cultural scene, for Carn (the Celtic League quarterly journal). He also took part in the Gaelic Forums that the Celtic League Manx Branch organised in the early 1980s.

There were endless strings to his cultural bow. He was a keen graphic artist. He also found time to produce a wide range of musical instruments.

However, to many, his commitment to the playing of pure Manx music on the Uilleann pipes will remain his most enduring legacy and indeed and perhaps fittingly he was doing this on the evening that he was taken ill and died.

J B Moffatt, Director of Information, Celtic League

26/12/08

His books

— 16 skeealyn tradishoonagh y theay chyndaait ayns Gaelg liorish Colin Jerry lesh jallooyn liorish Adam Berry.

16 traditional folk stories translated into Manx by Colin Jerry and illustrated by Adam Berry.

— Kiaull as arraneyn Manninagh son greiyn-kiaullee y theay. Lioar chlassicagh currit ry-cheilley liorish Colin Jerry, 1979.

Manx music and songs for folk instruments. Classic book compiled by Colin Jerry, 1979. 2 vol.

— Skeealleenyn as skeealyn bunneydagh ayns Gaelg liorish George Broderick, John Crellin, Lewis Crellin as Colin Jerry. Currit magh hoshiaght ayns ny shiaghtadyn.

Original anecdotes and stories in Manx by George Broderick, John Crellin, Lewis Crellin and Colin Jerry. First published in the 1970's.