Maud Gonne in Ireland and Urdd Gobaith Cymru in Wales, as well as Ny Maninee Aegey ('The Young Manx') which was founded at around the turn of the century by Douglas' friend and mentor, Sophia Morrison, Douglas concentrated her attention on the young for the revitalisation of Manx culture through the establishment of Aeglagh Vannin. Foundation and activities Aeglagh Vannin was founded in Douglas on 1 August 1931. The central importance of youth and also the nationalist agenda at the heart of the organisation was evident in their motto: Piatchyn jiu, ashoon mairagh (Children today, a nation tomorrow). Although the organisation was concerned with creating a sense of national identity and cultural pride, it was not overtly political. Mona Douglas explained in the one edition of the organisation's journal, Yn Lior Aeglagh Vannin: "The movement is cultural, not political, because we believe that nationalism is higher than politics." Aeglagh Vannin's founding principles were: To preserve, study and teach the Manx language. To foster in the young people and children of the Island a love and knowledge of the history, folk-lore and traditions of their country and a realisation of their kinship with other Celtic Nations. To encourage the creation of a modern Manx music, art, literature and drama. To preserve the natural beauty of the Manx countryside and to protect rights of way etc. Douglas explained these principles in 1932: "[...] at present politics are not for us of the Aeglagh. We want to learn, and to help others to learn, the neglected language and traditions of our country. We want to preserve the beauty of the land. We want to create a new national art and music and literature and drama, built on tradition and racial foundations. And above all, we want so to inspire with these ideals the children who are growing up around us that they may be ready presently to carry on the work further than we ourselves can hope to do." The organisation met after school weekly, "for the study of Celtic literature and Manx traditional dance." Also covered in their meetings were Manx history, language, folklore and song. A curious addition to the activities of the organisation was fencing, explained by a later cultural historian as being "to keep the boys' interest, as well as to prepare young people 'to defend the Manx nation'!" By 1932 there were 93 members of Aeglagh Vannin, located