Celtic League: Patagonian Branch Status Formalised

A new branch of the Celtic League has been formally welcomed into the organisation, following full approval by its general council yesterday.

The Patagonia Branch in Argentina has become the newest branch of the League and has brought the number of branches up to ten. The Patagonia Branch however, is the only `territorial' branch in the organisation, meaning that it the only branch outside of the six Celtic countries where a Celtic language is traditionally spoken. The other branches of the League are what its constitutional rules calls `international' branches, which include the USA Branch, England Branch and the International Branch.

A Patagonia group was formed earlier this year with the help of a League activist, José Calvete, but before the group could be formally recognised as a branch of the League, full approval needed to be sought from the League's general council, which is made up of the secretaries of each of the different branches. Following the approval from the general council, the League's general secretary (GS) wrote to Monica Jones - the president of the new branch - to inform her of the decision.

The Convenor of the Celtic League, Cathal O Luain, said:

"The Convenor of the Celtic League, Cathal Ó Luain, said: I would really like to welcome the Patagonia branch and its members to the League. We look forward to getting their input in our work to promote our Celtic languages and cultures, independence for all Celtic countries and a formal association between them.

We can assure them of the support of the General Council and the branches in their own work to maintain and promote Welsh language and culture in Patagonia and will assist in all ways we can. 2011 will mark the 50th anniversary of the League and we look forward to delegates from Patagonia coming to that celebration."

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

06/10/09