Mòd; a meeting, an assembly Ionadach; local, provincial An Dreòlluinn; an old name for the island of Mull
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About the Mòd
On 16th December 1937, the local branches of An Comunn Gaidhealach, of which there were many, met to discuss the possibility of holding a Provincial Mòd in Mull. It was decided to organise an event for the following year and every year there after based on a circuit of the villages of Tobermory, Salen and Bunessan. The first Provincial Mòd was held in Tobermory on the 14th June 1938. Gaelic, at that time, was spoken throughout the island and over 100 entries were received for the Mòd including choirs from Bunessan, Lochdon, Pennyghael, Salen, Tobermory and the island of Coll.
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Mòd Ionadach na Dreòlluinn encourages the use and development of the Gaelic language and music through voice, choral, oral and instrumental competitions. Local residents and visitors alike are thrilled to hear the Gaelic language brought to life through ancient and modern songs and bardachd (poetry) and also the use of the language in conversation. The Mòd is not just a competitive event it is a social gathering for all those interested in the language and music. A large number of those attending do so just as a member of the audience and many local residents have described the local Mòd as their big day out!
Ten years ago, due to clashes with other Mòds in the area, the committee took the then controversial decision to change the date of the local Mòd from June to September. This decision has proved to be very successful attracting competitors from all over the country. As the Royal National Mòd takes place annually in October, it gives competitors a final chance to receive constructive criticism for their pieces. The date has been fixed as the second Saturday in September and has established itself as one of the best local Mòds on the circuit. Indeed, we now have a waiting list for adjudicators desperate to add the Mull & Iona Provincial Mòd to their CVs. Over the past few years, the venue for Mòd Ionadach na Dreòlluinn, has had to remain in Tobermory. As many travel from the mainland, Tobermory has good transport links and enough accommodation to cope with the numbers attending. A restaurant on the main street told a member of the committee that it was their busiest day of the season!
In 2007, thanks to an "Awards for All" grant, Mòd Ionadach na Dreòlluinn held their annual event over 2 days with children competing on Friday 7th and adults on Saturday 8th September. The Mull Mòd has been growing in popularity since their change of date from June to September 10 years ago, especially in the senior section. The junior section has attracted a steady number of competitors but, as a one day event held on the Saturday, schools find it difficult to participate due to availability of teaching and support staff. The committee decided that in 2007, the year of Highland Culture, it would be the ideal time to trial a two day event to encourage schools and clubs to enter. This proved to be a great success with many of the local schools participating and 2008 will see the continuation of a 2 day event.
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Riona Whyte, Secretary, Rockville, Salen, Aros, Isle of Mull 01680 300551 enquiries@mullmod.org.uk
Iain MacKinnon, Chairperson, Achadhbeag, Western Road, Tobermory 01688 302408 chairperson@mullmod.org.uk
Janet MacDonald, Treasurer, Cnoc na sgillinn, Tobermory 01688 302351 treasurer@mullmod.org.uk
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