Laigheann

Laigheann is a country in the Zendari world.

Etymology
The etymology of the name Laigheann comes from the ancient Gaelic word 'laighean', meaning spear. An ancient tribesman, Laigheann Mac Cómhaltáin formed a tribe in the area that would eventually become An Tír Laigheann, or Laigheann for short. In English, Laigheann is known as Lyon, but attempts to implement this name were not a roaring success.

History
The country remained a hermit state from its formation in around 583 until the 1800s. Around this point, Thearian merchants began to arrive from the nearby nation of Éimi, which formed a small minority around the city of Prod, which eventually grew into a majority. This led to English being installed as a main language in the country, and a parliament being formed in the year 1844. Before that, the country had been ruled largely by pogues, who were priests who had been trained in both law and medicine.

Culture
Laigheann has a rich history of culture. Since the 1200s, the old style music tradition of Shan-Nos singing has remained a tradition in many a household, with the Cashlawn Barr Shan-Nos Singing Fleadh attracting thousands of visitors per year. Examples of these kinds of songs include Sean Ó Bhearghá's rendition of the old folk song, Amhrán an Bó and the Bríd Nic Craith written Cá Bhfuil Mo Gheansaí.

Outside of this, Laigheann is known for its famous dancing traditions. The national dance of the Uiscedamhsa, written by an expatriate of Laigheann, Mike Yanke in 1977, has been a famed part of Laigheach culture and is performed at every major football game that the Laigheach national football, rugby or cricket team plays, along with the national anthem.

Government
Since its parliament was formed, the main party in Laigheann has been the Labour Party. Other parties include the Nationalist Party, Na Daoine (The People) and the Christian Party, the latter of which failed to elect any members in the last parliament election.

The parliament consists of 100 members: 5 from each constituency.

Transport
There is a small road system in Laigheann, but it is rarely used by anyone, as very affordable metro transport has been made readily available.

Laigheann is served by the LL (Líne Laigheach), a metro service connecting major towns and cities in all of the districts apart from the Islands. All of the routes are profitable due to the popularity of the metro line. There are ferry services available to the residents of the Islands to connect them with the nearest city, which is Ballyfinn (located within Kilcolman).

There are five airports in Laigheann: the largest of these is Loch-Sweeney International Airport, located in An Loch. The other airports are Ardagh Crowntree Airport, Kingsland Airport (located within IMPO), Clonkilly International Airport and Portlinnock Jan Swillen Airport.