IRELAND 2013 The year of the gathering.

Sceala Philosopher Location: Athlone

What do you all make of IRELAND 2013 The year of the gathering?
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A gimmicky event to attract more tourists! or a very rare example of actual care about the Irish emigrant diaspora around the world.
The initiative has been publicly criticised by such notable individuals as entrepreneur Michael O'Leary and actor Gabriel Byrne as a shameful way to raise funds for Ireland's ailing economy. O'Leary referred to the initiative as "The Grabbing", and Byrne described it as a "shakedown" of the diaspora."

If IRELAND 2013 The year of the gathering, proves to be a credible caring concern for Irish people, anywhere, by a Irish government of any recent living generation, it will be a first.
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Happy new year to the Irish anyway, probably about as credible a care as any for the Irish.
I do not believe any Irish government claims, all pretense to date. None of them have ever cared less how many Irish emigrate or how many foreigners replace the native Irish.

The gathering is a cynical tourist money trap.

The Gathering Ireland 2013
The Gathering Ireland 2013, sometimes referred to as The Gathering in Ireland is a tourism-led initiative that aims to mobilise the Irish diaspora to return to Ireland during 2013 to be part of specially organised local gatherings and events during the year. It is a Government of Ireland supported initiative driven primarily by Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, and Tourism Ireland, however the concept relies on the grassroots activity of private individuals, and non-governmental organisations.
The Gathering is not a single event but rather an initiative that fosters and provides an umbrella framework for a plethora of activities throughout 2013, from family reunions and clan gatherings to sports fixtures. While the initiative is primarily directed at the Irish Diaspora, as well as those with a non-ancestral link to the country, the organisers have stated that the overall experience for the general tourist will be enhanced due to the significantly increased number of events planned throughout the year. The initiative has been publicly criticised by such notable individuals as entrepreneur Michael O'Leary and actor Gabriel Byrne as a shameful way to raise funds for Ireland's ailing economy. O'Leary referred to the initiative as "The Grabbing", and Byrne described it as a "shakedown" of the diaspora.
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Background to IRELAND 2013 The year of the gathering.
The concept for The Gathering Ireland 2013 first emerged at the 2009 Global Irish Economic Forum held in Farmleigh, Dublin. The Forum had two broad objectives: to examine ways in which Ireland could develop more strategic relationships with its diaspora; and to provide a platform for those living overseas who claim Irish ancestry to contribute to Ireland’s economic recovery. The Gathering Ireland 2013 was seen as an opportunity to address both of these objectives, the latter achieved through additional overseas visitors and tourism revenue which in turn may stimulate job creation.

Official spin from the gathering cronies.
Did any of the many Irish celebs on parade do their promo piece for free?

Throughout 2013, Ireland will open its arms to hundreds of thousands of friends and family from all over the world, calling them home to gatherings in villages, towns and cities.

" There will be clan gatherings, festivals, special sporting events, music and concerts taking place all across the country, all year long"Communities throughout Ireland will showcase and share the very best of Irish culture, tradition, business, sport, fighting spirit and the uniquely Irish sense of fun.

Over 70 million people worldwide claim Irish ancestry. The Gathering Ireland 2013 provides the perfect excuse to reach out to those who have moved away, their relatives, friends and descendants, and invite them home.

The Gathering is the people’s party. It will kick off in spectacular style at the New Year’s Eve Festival in Dublin and will be celebrated through gatherings of the people and Ireland’s major festivals during 2013. After that it is over to you. It is in your hands. Be part of it.

IRELAND 2013 The year of the gathering.

Irish Forums Message Discussion :: IRELAND 2013 The year of the gathering.

IRELAND 2013 The year of the gathering.