A life dedicated to widening access to the Manx language has been recognised by this year’s Manannan’s Choice of the Year award from Culture Vannin.

This year’s Reih Bleeaney Vanannan - Manannan’s Choice of the Year - award recognises almost 50 years’ work in teaching, promoting, publishing and developing online resources for the Manx language by one of the cultural community’s most unassuming leaders.

Phil Kelly’s enthusiasm for and dedication to the language has provided a vital contribution to the survival and development of Manx.

Phil was always keen to see how technology could help language learning, and his work on producing material online or in conjunction with apps was pioneering. His online dictionary allowed free and greater access to Manx vocabulary for the wider public, and his Manx Bible site, developed with Ffynlo Craine, makes one of the most important texts in the Manx language accessible and searchable by all: http://bible.learnmanx.com. Phil’s vision and willingness to embrace technology put him and the Manx language ahead of so many others.

His nomination referred to him as ’an unsung hero of the success story of the Manx language’ and ’a deserving and fitting recognition of the work and dedication that he has put into the development of the Manx language over the last 50 years.’

Phil nominated Manx education charity Mooinjer Veggey to receive a cheque for £500.

Mooinjer Veggey runs nurseries with Manx at Braddan and Ballasalla, Possan Cloie (parents and tots) and Bunscoill Ghaelgagh Manx language primary school in StJohn’s.

The RBV selection panel, made up of representatives from Culture Vannin, IOM Arts Council, Manx National Heritage Trustees, Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh and Yn Chruinnaght, commented: ’His pioneering attitude to the use of technology to help produce and share resources for the language was exemplary. By publishing and teaching, he has left a rich archive and an important legacy for future generations.’

by Julie Blackburn

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