Manx learners in St John's publish collection of 12 short stories

A group of Manx language learners who meet each week at Greens Café in St John’s have published a book of 12 short stories written in Manx.

The collection, Cooinaghtyn Noa (New Reminiscences), is the work of Gaelgeyryn ec Greens, a group that gathers at the café to speak and read the language together. It was produced with support from Culture Vannin’s grants programme for Blein ny Gaelgey, the Year of the Manx Language 2026, according to Isle of Man Today and Energy FM.

The stories draw on contributors’ own experiences, from life on the island to memories from overseas. The book was illustrated by Emily Long and edited by Jamys O’Meara, Isle of Man Today reported.

Co-ordinators Anita Cashen and Angela Little, who also wrote stories for the book, said they hoped fellow learners would find it “useful, engaging and enjoyable”.

Dr Breesha Maddrell, director of Culture Vannin, said: “What could be better than a collection of short stories that are told from the heart and told well!”

Culture Vannin said more than 200 adults learn Manx through its classes every week.

Cooinaghtyn Noa costs £5 and is available from Greens Café and other stockists around the island.