Gathering Limerick 2013 Preparations Gather Pace

Aug. 27, 2012 - PRLog -- A public meeting will be hosted by The Gathering Limerick Steering Group in the Woodlands House Hotel in Adare on Tuesday, 4 September at 7pm. The meeting will be a facilitated ‘ideas generation’ session aimed at developing possible ‘Gatherings’ during 2013.

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. 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.

Gathering Community Meetings will be held throughout Ireland in the coming months. 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.

Chair of the Limerick Gathering Steering Committee, Donal Fitzgibbon said next Tuesday’s meeting will offer an opportunity for local people to learn more about The Gathering and how they can become involved.

“By calling this meeting, we are 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,” Mr. Fitzgibbon added.

He continued: “Anyone with ideas for a ‘Gathering’ event can pledge them online after next Tuesday’s meeting. They will also be able to access tools and supports online to help them to organise their Gatherings.”

The Gathering is gaining momentum with a number of well-known Irish personalities pledging their support, including Munster and Irish rugby star Paul O’Connell, and actors Pierce Brosnan and Liam Neeson. 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.