Telling Stories is as basic to human beings as eating. More so, in fact, for while food makes us live, stories are what makes our lives worth living. They are what make our condition human.

From the word go, stories were invented to fill the gaping hole within us, assuage our fear and dread, to try and give answers to the great unanswerable questions of existence: Who are we? Where do we come from? Are we animal, human or divine?
Strangers, gods or monsters? Are we born of one (mother earth) or two (human parents)? Are we creatures of nature or culture? In seeking to provide answers to such unfathomable conundrums both physical and metaphysical the great tales and legends give not only relief from everyday darkness, but also pleasure and enchantment: the power to bring a hush to a room, a catch to the breath, a leap to the curious heart, with the simple words "Once upon a time".

From On Stories, by Richard Kearney, Professor of
Philosophy, Boston College and U.C.D.

The aims of Storytellers of Ireland/Aos Scéal Éireann are the promotion of the practice and knowledge of storytelling through the preservation and perpetuation of traditional storytelling and the development of storytelling as a contemporary art form through the fostering of storytelling skills among all age groups, and the telling of stories in schools, colleges, prisons, community centres, places of worship, libraries, arts centres, elderly care centers and festivals throughout the whole island of Ireland.

In May 2004 Storytellers of Ireland/Aos Scéal Éireann celebrated the launch of the Irish Storytelling Handbook. The VAC hosted their seminar, where storytellers from across Ireland gathered to report on their various activiites and plance, and the evening celebration.

Daithí O'hOÓgáin, Professor of Folklore at U.C.D., was the guest speaker and provided a rousing and passionate speech on the art of storytelling and the importance of such projects as carried out by SoI/ASE. Several storytellers listed in the handbooks told stories to entertain SoI/ASE members and other supporters, as well as the general public.

The Irish Storytelling Handbook is available and can be ordered through the VAC. For further information on Storytellers of Ireland/Aos Sceal Eireann please contact Jack Lynch, Secretary (quighie@yahoo.com) or
Liz Weir, Chair (liz@taleteam.demon.co.uk).