Big push to be made for 'Gathering'

People from Kilcullen including local businesses, sports clubs, drama and musical groups will be asked in the coming week or so to get involved in helping to promote the town through 'The Gathering Ireland 2013' initiative, writes Trish Whelan.

'The Gathering Ireland 2013' is a year-long series of celebratory events to showcase all that is great about Ireland and local communities around the country are being asked to create their own Gathering events to highlight what their own areas have to offer. It is a joint initiative of Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.

Much of last night's meeting held in the Credit Union by the Kilcullen 2017 group was taken up in reviewing all the various local organisations and discussing how they could come together in staging events to attract more visitors to the town which would be of benefit to the local community. 

In this regard, plans are underway to organise a steering group comprised of at least one member from all these various groups to produce a brochure showing a calendar of events to help promote local tourism. It was pointed out that co-ordination between these groups is vital so as not to stage different events at the same time.

However, time is of the essence as the year-long initiative starts in January. Only minimal funding is available so those involved will be giving their time and resources for free. 

It was pointed out that usually 'it is often the same faces that are left to do everything in the town', and this was evident from the small number of people who turned up to last night's meeting, despite it being advertised locally. It was felt, though, that having access to resources as well as really dedicated members, could sometimes prove more beneficial than being able to acquire funding. And the fact that it has the backing of Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland could also be useful in offering advice to the Kilcullen group. 

The group's next meeting will take place at 8pm on Tuesday, 23 October in Kilcullen Credit Union. All are welcome. 

Pictured are  Billy Redmond, Eamon Sinnott, PJ Fagan, Martin Heydon TD, Celia Travers, Esther Kiely and Orla O'Neill.