Limerick Communities Urged To Take Part in The Gathering

Aug. 10, 2012 - PRLog -- The Gathering has been described as one of the biggest tourism initiatives ever staged in Ireland and is expected to bring 325,000 extra visitors to the country next year.

The upcoming meeting, which is described by organisers as an “ideas lab” for possible Gathering events in Limerick next year, is being hosted by The Gathering Limerick Steering Group. The Group, led by Limerick’s local authorities, comprises community and development organisations, as well as business and tourism sector representatives from across Limerick.

The meeting will offer an opportunity for local people to learn more about The Gathering and how they can be involved. Anyone with ideas for a ‘Gathering’ event can pledge them online after the meeting. They will also be able to access tools and supports online to help them to organise their Gatherings.

Jim Miley, who was recently appointed Project Director of The Gathering Ireland 2013, urged Limerick residents to attend next month’s meeting, saying: “The Gathering Ireland 2013 is a people’s project.  It’s all about you, your family, your neighbours, your sports club, your college, your place of work – in fact, whatever community or group you belong to – planning special events in 2013 that will highlight what is great about your town and county.”

“Limerick is a beautiful county and I know local communities have a great spirit and some wonderful suggestions for Gatherings. We are looking forward to hearing all of your ideas,” Mr. Miley added.

Announcing plans for the meeting, Chair of the Limerick Gathering Steering Committee, Donal Fitzgibbon said: “By calling this meeting, we’re asking everyone in Limerick to get involved in the Gathering in 2013. This is an exciting opportunity for each and every one of us to play our part in showing what is best about Limerick and its people. We have some great networks here in Limerick and some great ideas as to how we can reach out to our friends and loved ones overseas and invite them home next year. 2013 is going to be an incredible year in Ireland and we want Limerick to be part of it.”

Gathering Community Meetings will be held throughout Ireland in the year ahead. Local Gathering organisations are being set up in every county, comprising sporting bodies, cultural and musical organisations, local authorities, and local development companies and representative bodies.

Community projects already underway throughout Ireland include clan gatherings, genealogical projects, and an outreach initiative where local communities will contact people who have left the country.
The Gathering is gaining momentum with a number of well-known Irish personalities pledging their support, including Pierce Brosnan, Liam Neeson and Paul O’Connell. A large number of companies and organisations have already got involved including Google and Facebook, while KPMG and PwC have confirmed they will hold their international alumni events in Ireland, bringing 1,000 international visitors.

For further information visit www.thegatheringireland.com, or follow The Gathering Limerick on Twitter @thegatheringlk or Facebook on www.facebook.com/TheGatheringLimerick .