Rod C. MacNeil has been promoting the Gaelic language and culture of Cape Breton for nearly fifty years. Raised in Barra Glen, a once busy settlement close to Iona, MacNeil is a direct descendant of one of the original settlers to the community. His father was a miner who moved back home to the country with his wife after being injured underground. In Barra Glen, John Dan and Annie Catherine MacNeil acquired the farm where Roddie and his eight siblings were raised. In those days, singing was an everyday aspect of life in the area. Work in the fields and around the house was often accompanied by Gaelic songs and the sound of neighbours singing could be heard floating on the breeze. After serving in the war, and working in Ontario for several years, MacNeil returned to Cape Breton where he took over the family farm. There he and wife Helen brought-up their six children. Over the years, MacNeil has given tirelessly to his community and culture. Actively involved in the Highland Village Museum since its inception, he is often consulted about local history and songs. A leading member of the Iona Gaelic Singers, Rod C. is a familiar face at Gaelic events around Nova Scotia. Generous with his time and talents, generations of Gaelic learners have been welcomed to the milling table with a friendly wave and warm smile from Roddie John Dan.
- Shamus

Rod C. MacNeil & Mickey John H. MacNeil
Interviewed by Jim Watson
Camera operated by Shamus Y. MacDonald
November 30, 2006

Total Play Time: 59:26

00:26 Rod C. introduces himself; the first of his people who came to the area
04:56 Mickey introduces himself
06:40-12:09 A local song; types of songs View | Listen
12:10 who was good at making songs
13:04 the song the midwife made about the old man
18:23 the graveyard
20:16 Song: Ailein Duinn
25:33 Song
30:25 Song: Anna mo ghaoil (John Stevens)
34:10 the Browns from Cape North, related to the people of Washabuck; they were good singers and pipers.
37:40-42:19 Nìall Mór who was good at making songs; story about hard times on the hill View | Listen | Transcript
42:21 Hughie MacKenzie
43:50 Song
46:35-49:13 story about the people getting tb View | Listen
49:15 Song: Saoil am pòs mi
51:25 Song: Anna mo ghaoil
53:03-56:48 ripping your pants View | Listen
56:52-59:00 Calum Cille; the evil eye View | Listen