Fine Gael(Irish; “Gaelic Nation”)

Major political party in Ireland, also known as United Ireland Party. It was founded in 1933 in the amalgamation of several parties, including the Cumann na nGaedheal (“Society of Gaels”), which had been formed by members of the Dáil (assembly) who accepted the Anglo-Irish treaty of 1921. It held power briefly in 1948, but Fianna Fáil dominated Irish politics until 1973. From the mid-1970s, both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil vied for power in competitive elections, with Fine Gael forming several coalition governments.

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Gael Linn released records by many of the world's most renowned Gaelic and Irish Traditional musicians known today. They became one of the leading Irish Traditional and folk record labels after the release of Skara Brae's self-titled album, the single from that album also containing Clannad tracks from their own début album on the other side. Clannad was questionably their most popular act until the band's fame brought them to the attention of RCA in 1982. The members of Skara Brae have all released solo/duet albums under Gael Linn and have each become four of the most renowned musicians in the world: Maighréad & Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill and Mícheal Ó Domhnaill and Altan's Daithí Sproule.

Gael Linn Records have issued numerous historic recordings by the likes of Michael Coleman, Seán Ryan, Ceoltóirí Chualann and Seán Ó Riada whose prolific 'Mise Éire' was released under the label.

Their roster includes Andy Irvine, Paul Brady, The Bothy Band, De Dannan, Dolores Keane, Nóirín Ní Riain, Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, Padraigín Ní Uallacháin and countless other prolific artists. Several of the recordings have been licensed to be reissued on the Green Linnet label. Judging by the record numbers, it appears that the label began in 1963, with a recording by Ceoltóirí Chualann.

External links

• Gael Linn Records
• Gael Linn Official Site
• Nóirín Ní Riain