Ireland’s Year of “The Gathering”
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The Irish government declared 2013 to be a year of “The Gathering,” a year-long celebration of all things Irish. More information can be found at the event website: http://www.thegatheringireland.com/About.aspx, which had the following description:
“Throughout 2013, Ireland opened 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 were clan gatherings, festivals, special sporting events, music and concerts taking place all across the country, all year long Communities throughout Ireland showcased and shared 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 provided the perfect excuse to reach out to those who had moved away, their relatives, friends and descendants, and invite them home.”
