Comic duo to entice the ‘Leeaspora’ back for the Gathering
The iconic pair feature on a YouTube video just launched in the hope of bringing what they call the “Leeaspora” home to their native city and county.
The video clip was shown to city and county councillors yesterday as they were given an overview of plans for the Cork Gathering or, as it’s being dubbed locally, Rebel Cork Week, which will take place from Oct 14-20.
Padraig O’Kane of Corporate.ie, which has been hired to promote the event, gave a power-point presentation to councillors during which he outlined the events planned to date and how it was hoped every village and town would get involved.
The local authorities are to issue a special Cork “passport” to those travelling in for the event and to locals who show great commitment in organising activities.
The passport will entitle them to a number of discounts in hotels, shops, bars and restaurants.
In the video clip Cha highlights the unique passport, with Miah adding “it will keep the riff-raff out”.
County manager Martin Riordan said money would be made available from the county council’s economic development fund to aid groups organising events.
Mr O’Kane said it was hoped, at minimum, to get 5,000 exiles to come to Rebel Cork Week.
Events will include GAA, rugby and soccer exhibitions matches, yachting events with RCYC and golf tournaments.
Historical reenactments are also planned, along with food festivals.
Towns will be asked to host visiting marching bands — which will have a minimum of 50 members — for a major parade which will be held in Cork City.
It’s hoped Mallow will be one of the volunteer towns as last year it hosted the Notre Dame band ahead of its American football team’s exhibition match in Dublin.
Mr O’Kane said his team was also prepared to meet with town councils after it was pointed out to him that many of these were twinned with towns in other countries and could use these links to encourage foreigners to visit as well.
The organisers are also planning to draw up a database of “influential Cork and Cork-connected people” living abroad and invite them to attend the events.
Mr O’Kane said such people would in particular be invited to a take part in discussions about economic renewal and job creation in the city and county.
The county manager said that outside of Dublin, Cork would have the biggest number of events for the Gathering.
“We will have an event which will be successful and will be held every year thereafter,” Mr Riordan said.
Mr O’Kane said the organisers were to meet with the Irish Hotels’ Federation and other important parties on Feb 7 to enhance their planning of the events.
* corkrebelweek2013.com
