New Ideas For Clare Gathering 2013

Dozens of novel and unique ideas have been put forward as possible events for "The Gathering Clare 2013".

The Gathering, which was launched by the Government in late 2011, 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.Amongst the suggested events put forward at a recent community meeting for The Gathering Clare 2013 is a summer long event celebrating Daniel O'Connell's political achievements and the Clare MP's links with the County, a series of events showcasing Clare's connections with historical world events and personalities, and a Gathering event celebrating the West Clare Railway and its connections with Percy French.Over 160 people attended the meeting which was hosted by The Gathering Clare Steering Group, comprising lead agencies Clare County Council and Shannon Development. Membership of the Clare Gathering Steering Group is drawn from various organisations including the Clare Tourism Forum, GAA, FAI, Irish Hotels Federation, Clare Roots Society, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, ICA, Chambers of Commerce, Vintners Federation of Ireland, Clare Sports Partnership, Clare Library Service, Clare Community Forum, Clare Local Development Company, Ennis Town Council and Love Live Music.

The Group this week invited individuals, community groups and organisations planning an event for 2013 to have their events included in the 'Calendar of Gatherings for the County'.

Ger Dollard, Chairperson of 'The Gathering Clare 2013' Steering Group explained that The Gathering is geared toward inviting anyone with a connection to County Clare to come and visit during 2013..He added: "We are delighted with the outcomes from the July meeting and the genuine passion and enthusiasm that was evident on the night. What we now need is for people to go ahead and start planning their events and make contact with overseas friends, relations, neighbours and anybody interested in coming to Clare in 2013. The Steering Committee will be putting together a 'Calendar of Gatherings for the County' so I am calling on everybody who is planning an event for 2013 to let us know so that we can include it. We also hope to focus on a number of headline events during the year and the Committee is currently working through all the suggestions that have been received to date. Our key task is to mobilise and drive The Gathering throughout the county by engaging, planning and coordinating community based activity So the message to everyone is to become active and become involved in making The Gathering a unique and successful initiative for County Clare". An online resource is also available at www.thegatheringireland.com where individuals, community groups and festival organisers can submit details of any planned event. The website also features guides to organising Gathering events and information on how to get the most from Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn. All Gathering 2013 brand assets, including logos and taglines, are also available on the website.The Gathering Co-ordinator for County Clare is Monica Meehan who may be contacted at Áras Contae and Chláir, New Road, Ennis, County Clare; (telephone) 065-6846228 or (email) mmeehan@clarecoco.ie .