An estimated 5,000 people are expected to participate in everything from power-lifting to barefoot running, hockey eights, and a motograss championship when Cork’s first World Mini Games kicks off next month.

Nice wan, like — the People’s Republic of Cork is getting its own “rebel passport” to mark the Gathering.

The man behind a major sports event in Cork for The Gathering hit out at Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary last night, pleading with him to “cut out the negative bullshit” about the initiative.