Note 23 — Chapter I
Reading edition
Perhaps the best division of the Irish language into periods is that given by Eoin MacNeill in Irisleabhar na Gaedhilge, May, 1908. Pre-Ogam, before 300 A.D. Ogam, c. 300(?)–700(?) A.D. The Old Irish of the MSS. from 600(?)–1000(?) A.D. Middle Irish, 1000–1500 A.D. Modern Irish, 1500–Present Day. During the present study we shall frequently use the words Old Irish to connote the Period including the 7th, 8th, and 9th centuries.