Public meetings on The Gathering to boost tourism

People are being invited to four public meetings to discuss ways of attracting people to Cork as part of next year’s Gathering.

The meetings will take place over a week in Rosscarbery, Midleton, Mallow and Cork City, starting on Monday, Sept 17.

They will focus on the national tourism initiative launched earlier this year by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

The organisers say the meetings will offer an opportunity for local people to learn more about ‘The Gathering’ and how they can be involved.

Anyone with ideas can share them online after the meetings. They will also be able to access supports online to help them to organise their own Gatherings.

Jim Miley, project director of The Gathering said it 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 you should be planning special events in 2013 that will highlight what is great about your town and county,” he said.

“I know the people of Cork have a great spirit and some wonderful suggestions for Gatherings. We’re looking forward to hearing all of their ideas.”

The meetings have been organised by the Cork Gathering Steering Committee, led by local coordinators, Anne O’Donnell and Valerie O’Sullivan.

They said it’s an exciting opportunity for Cork people to play their part in showing what is best about the county and its people.

“We have some great networks and ideas here 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 Cork to be part of it,” Ms O’Donnell said.

Community projects already under way throughout Ireland include clan gatherings, genealogical projects, school reunions, twin-town visits and an outreach initiative where local communities will contact people who have left the country.

The dates

* Mon, Sept 17 — Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery nWed Sept 19 — Midleton Park Hotel, Midleton nThur Sept 20 — Springfort Hall, Mallow

* Mon Sept 24 — City Hall, Cork

* All meetings 7pm-9pm