Mise Éire

Mise-Eire-Ireland-and-Pearse-600-Image-copyright-Ireland-Calling

Mise Éire by Padraic Pearse is a poem written in Irish about nationalism. There is an English translation at the bottom of the page. Sean O’Riada’s film, based on the poem,  is further down the page.

Mise-Eire-Ireland-and-Pearse-600-Image-copyright-Ireland-Calling

Pearse was a tireless writer and activist in Ireland’s attempt to get independence from the British government. He was one of the key members of the Easter Rising in 1916 and his passion for Irish independence cost him his life when he was executed by the British.

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Ogham, the mysterious language of the trees The Origins of the Ogham alphabet are still a mystery for many historians, but it is primarily thought to be an early form of the Irish written Language. Bealtaine Fire

Click here for the English translation

Mise Éire by Padraic Pearse. Image copyright Ireland Calling

Mise Éire

Mise Éire:
Sine mé ná an Chailleach* Bhéarra

Mór mo ghlóir:
Mé a rug Cú Chulainn cróga.

Mór mo náir:
Mo chlann féin a dhíol a máthair.

Mór mo phian:
Bithnaimhde do mo shíorchiapadh.

Mór mo bhrón:
D’éag an dream inar chuireas dóchas.

Mise Éire:
Uaigní mé ná an Chailleach* Bhéarra.

* an Chailleach is an old woman meaning a ‘witch’
Mise Éire by Padraic Pearse. Image copyright Ireland Calling

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Mise Éire by Padraic Pearse. Image copyright Ireland Calling

I am Ireland

I am Ireland:
I am older than the old woman* of Beare.

Great my glory:
I who bore Cuchulainn, the brave.

Great my shame:
My own children who sold their mother.

Great my pain:
My irreconcilable enemy who harrasses me continually…

Great my sorrow
That crowd, in whom I placed my trust, died.

I am Ireland:
I am lonelier than the old woman of Beare.

*  old woman meaning a ‘witch’

Mise Éire by Padraic Pearse. Image copyright Ireland Calling

What is the story of Mise Eire?

In the poem Mise Eire, Pearse is expressing his love of – and his pride in – Ireland’s culture and heritage. He reflects on the problems faced by his country as well is his hopes and fears about what the future might bring.

The 1959 film Mise Éire

Sean O’Riada’s film Mise Éire, had its world premiere at Cork Film Festival.
Mise Éire (I am Ireland), is a film based on the poem by Padraic Pearse.

The video below shows the reaction of three men to the film when it was released. This video was made by Gael Linn, an organisation dedicated to Irish language, with the music by Seán Ó Reada.

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