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An International Fashion Week, an Angela’s Ashes musical and a major race meeting attracting racing enthusiasts from all over Europe are some of the highlights of the 61 funded events that Limerick will host for the Gathering during 2013.
Today, details of the Limerick Gatherings were announced at a launch in front of the city’s iconic 13th Century King John’s Castle featuring many of the local communities organising events this year.
The gatherings, divided into 3 flagship events and 58 community gatherings are funded as a result of a €1m philanthropic donation by IPB Insurance that was matched by the Gathering Ireland in response to the enormous interest expressed nationwide in the tourism initiative. The overall total of €110,000 funded events in Limerick is made up of €50,000 in flagship events and €60,000 in local community events.
The three Limerick Gathering Flagship events include:
• Limerick International Fashion and Design Week ( 29th- 31st October 2013)
-This event will showcase Limerick’s international fashion pedigree and its strong reputation in fashion education through Limerick School of Art and Design, one of the Top 50 Fashion Schools in the world. The main highlight will be an international competition for fashion students who will compete to be awarded the title of IPB International Young Designer of the Year
• Limerick City Weekend of Welcomes (24th- 28th October 2013)
This festival is an invitation home to Limerick’s Diaspora to experience a celebration of the city’s rich and varied heritage and culture. It will be a major event for Limerick ahead of the city’s designation as the first National City of Culture 2014.
• An International Gathering of Horse Racing Clubs and Enthusiasts (9-11th of November 2013)
• And they’re off! Jockeys, racing clubs and enthusiasts from all over Europe will gather in Limerick Racecourse for a huge weekend race meeting culminating in a live music concert to round off the festivities.
Speaking at the launch, Limerick Local Authorities Manager, Conn Murray, said he was delighted at the huge response received to the request for funding applications and is happy that financial assistance is being provided to a huge number of local Gathering events taking place.
“I would like to particularly praise the many community groups, clubs, organisations and individuals across Limerick for their contribution to developing one of the country’s most diverse and exciting calendar of events for The Gathering,” he said.
“When you look at the huge number of events that are taking place in Limerick, there really is something for everyone and I believe these gatherings will reap huge benefits for our local economy.
“The people of Limerick have really embraced the Gathering Ireland 2013 which is the country’s biggest ever tourism initiative, providing an opportunity for those with ancestral links or an affinity to Ireland to play a part in and benefit from our economic recovery. The people of Limerick are certainly playing their part and I wish to congratulate those who have given selflessly of their time and energy to organising events in their respective communities,” Mr Murray added.
The 58 Limerick events in receipt of funding under The Gathering Ireland Local Community Fund are:
€2,500 - The Abbey Fishermen Homecoming in Limerick City (3-6 May), Angela's Ashes - The Musical in Limerick’s Lime Tree Theatre (14-21 Jul), The John Enright Castleconnell Flycasting Festival (11-13 Oct), The Knights of Westfest Music Festival/Street Entertainment in Newcastle West (11-15 Sep), British Horse Racing Clubs Weekend in Patrickswell (May), and Limerick School of Art & Design Graduate Fashion Gathering (16-17 May).
€2,250 - Lifting Limerick Golf Event in Adare (6, 7 & 9 Jun)
€2,000 - A European Curators Conference at the Belltable Arts Centre (11 May), UL Emerald Cup / University of Limerick Soccer Development Programme (26-28 Jul), Fleadh By the Feale Sporting & Music Festival in Abbeyfeale (2-6 May), Munster Fleadh Cheoil 2013 in Castletroy (14-21 Jul), and A Week of Welcomes in Kilmallock (12-21 Jul).
€1,500 - Limerick Country & Western Musical Event at Limerick Racecourse (Nov), Gravity Enduro Mountain Bike Event at the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail (18-19 May), and the Blas International Summer School of Irish Traditional Music & Dance at the University of Limerick (24 June - 5 Jul)
€1,000 - 1st Richard Harris International Film Festival in Dooradoyle, UL and The Georgian House in Limerick City (25-27 Oct), Bruff Summer Festival & Rose Contest (1-7 Jul), "Cannonball Gathering/ Gathering of Super Car owners in Limerick City (16-18 August), Genealogy Conference 2013 at the University of Limerick (Jun), Rockmayhem Music Festival in Kilfinane (21-30 Jun), Beast of Ballyhoura Adventure Race (2-5 Aug), and Cappamore Agricultural/Sporting Show (12-18 Aug).
€750 - Knockainey Community Council Sporting Gathering (Aug), Abbeyfeale Schools Reunion (15-21 Jul), Village Gathering in Hospital (31 May - 2 Jun), and the Great Limerick Run 'Kids Run for Fun' at the University of Limerick (4 May).
€600 - Ballyhoura Autumn Walking/Rambling Festival (19-20 Oct), Ballygoughlan School Reunion (3-4 Aug), Celebration of 150 Years of Croom N.S. (14-16 Jun), Limerick World Food Day (16 Oct), Croom Family Reunion (1-4 Jun), Noonan/Bond Family Reunion in Foynes (2-5 Aug), School Reunion & Sporting Event at Rockhill & Bruree (Sep), John the Baptist Community School Reunion in Hospital (May-Jun), Oola Parish Gathering (20-21 Jul), 4th July Celebration /Cookery Competition & Christian Churches Gettogher in Limerick City (1-7 Jul), St. Patrick's Day International Band Parade participation in Limerick City (17 Mar), Glenroe Village Gathering (Aug/Sep), Rape Crisis Midwest "Recruit & Mobilise - Gathering of Volunteers (14-15 Mar), Ballyhoura Food Festival (6 May), Midsummer Big Walk in Abbeyfeale & surrounds (22 Jun), Sheahan Clan Gathering in Newcastle West & Ardagh (4 Jul), The Glantine Invite/Sporting Event at Templeglantine (Jun 13), Glenbrohane School Reunion (1-21 Aug), St. Marys Boys NS School Reunion in Abbeyfeale (22-24 Mar), Anglesboro Village Reunion (12-14 Jul), McCoy Family Reunion in Newcastle West & Ballybunion (29th Mar - Apr 2013), Clounleharde School Reunion (29 June), Kilbehenny Potato Festival (13-19 Aug), O' Malley Gathering in Murroe (17 Mar), and the Lackelly Ambush Trail in Knockcarron (6 May).
€500 - Fitzgerald Clan Gathering 3 Part Series in Adare (20, 23, 28 Jun), Knocklong Gala Weekend Festival & Family Events (24-25 Aug), Kilteely Dromkeen Family Festival (19-21 Jul), Irish Golfing Greats Golf Classic in Adare (Jul), Castletown Development Association School Reunion & Festival (15-18 Aug), and Gospel to the Nations Christian Reunion at Limerick Baptist Church in Caherdavin (17 Nov).
€250 - The Geraldine Earls of Desmond Book Launch in Adare (27 Aug).
Today, details of the Limerick Gatherings were announced at a launch in front of the city’s iconic 13th Century King John’s Castle featuring many of the local communities organising events this year.
The gatherings, divided into 3 flagship events and 58 community gatherings are funded as a result of a €1m philanthropic donation by IPB Insurance that was matched by the Gathering Ireland in response to the enormous interest expressed nationwide in the tourism initiative. The overall total of €110,000 funded events in Limerick is made up of €50,000 in flagship events and €60,000 in local community events.
The three Limerick Gathering Flagship events include:
• Limerick International Fashion and Design Week ( 29th- 31st October 2013)
-This event will showcase Limerick’s international fashion pedigree and its strong reputation in fashion education through Limerick School of Art and Design, one of the Top 50 Fashion Schools in the world. The main highlight will be an international competition for fashion students who will compete to be awarded the title of IPB International Young Designer of the Year
• Limerick City Weekend of Welcomes (24th- 28th October 2013)
This festival is an invitation home to Limerick’s Diaspora to experience a celebration of the city’s rich and varied heritage and culture. It will be a major event for Limerick ahead of the city’s designation as the first National City of Culture 2014.
• An International Gathering of Horse Racing Clubs and Enthusiasts (9-11th of November 2013)
• And they’re off! Jockeys, racing clubs and enthusiasts from all over Europe will gather in Limerick Racecourse for a huge weekend race meeting culminating in a live music concert to round off the festivities.
Speaking at the launch, Limerick Local Authorities Manager, Conn Murray, said he was delighted at the huge response received to the request for funding applications and is happy that financial assistance is being provided to a huge number of local Gathering events taking place.
“I would like to particularly praise the many community groups, clubs, organisations and individuals across Limerick for their contribution to developing one of the country’s most diverse and exciting calendar of events for The Gathering,” he said.
“When you look at the huge number of events that are taking place in Limerick, there really is something for everyone and I believe these gatherings will reap huge benefits for our local economy.
“The people of Limerick have really embraced the Gathering Ireland 2013 which is the country’s biggest ever tourism initiative, providing an opportunity for those with ancestral links or an affinity to Ireland to play a part in and benefit from our economic recovery. The people of Limerick are certainly playing their part and I wish to congratulate those who have given selflessly of their time and energy to organising events in their respective communities,” Mr Murray added.
The 58 Limerick events in receipt of funding under The Gathering Ireland Local Community Fund are:
€2,500 - The Abbey Fishermen Homecoming in Limerick City (3-6 May), Angela's Ashes - The Musical in Limerick’s Lime Tree Theatre (14-21 Jul), The John Enright Castleconnell Flycasting Festival (11-13 Oct), The Knights of Westfest Music Festival/Street Entertainment in Newcastle West (11-15 Sep), British Horse Racing Clubs Weekend in Patrickswell (May), and Limerick School of Art & Design Graduate Fashion Gathering (16-17 May).
€2,250 - Lifting Limerick Golf Event in Adare (6, 7 & 9 Jun)
€2,000 - A European Curators Conference at the Belltable Arts Centre (11 May), UL Emerald Cup / University of Limerick Soccer Development Programme (26-28 Jul), Fleadh By the Feale Sporting & Music Festival in Abbeyfeale (2-6 May), Munster Fleadh Cheoil 2013 in Castletroy (14-21 Jul), and A Week of Welcomes in Kilmallock (12-21 Jul).
€1,500 - Limerick Country & Western Musical Event at Limerick Racecourse (Nov), Gravity Enduro Mountain Bike Event at the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail (18-19 May), and the Blas International Summer School of Irish Traditional Music & Dance at the University of Limerick (24 June - 5 Jul)
€1,000 - 1st Richard Harris International Film Festival in Dooradoyle, UL and The Georgian House in Limerick City (25-27 Oct), Bruff Summer Festival & Rose Contest (1-7 Jul), "Cannonball Gathering/ Gathering of Super Car owners in Limerick City (16-18 August), Genealogy Conference 2013 at the University of Limerick (Jun), Rockmayhem Music Festival in Kilfinane (21-30 Jun), Beast of Ballyhoura Adventure Race (2-5 Aug), and Cappamore Agricultural/Sporting Show (12-18 Aug).
€750 - Knockainey Community Council Sporting Gathering (Aug), Abbeyfeale Schools Reunion (15-21 Jul), Village Gathering in Hospital (31 May - 2 Jun), and the Great Limerick Run 'Kids Run for Fun' at the University of Limerick (4 May).
€600 - Ballyhoura Autumn Walking/Rambling Festival (19-20 Oct), Ballygoughlan School Reunion (3-4 Aug), Celebration of 150 Years of Croom N.S. (14-16 Jun), Limerick World Food Day (16 Oct), Croom Family Reunion (1-4 Jun), Noonan/Bond Family Reunion in Foynes (2-5 Aug), School Reunion & Sporting Event at Rockhill & Bruree (Sep), John the Baptist Community School Reunion in Hospital (May-Jun), Oola Parish Gathering (20-21 Jul), 4th July Celebration /Cookery Competition & Christian Churches Gettogher in Limerick City (1-7 Jul), St. Patrick's Day International Band Parade participation in Limerick City (17 Mar), Glenroe Village Gathering (Aug/Sep), Rape Crisis Midwest "Recruit & Mobilise - Gathering of Volunteers (14-15 Mar), Ballyhoura Food Festival (6 May), Midsummer Big Walk in Abbeyfeale & surrounds (22 Jun), Sheahan Clan Gathering in Newcastle West & Ardagh (4 Jul), The Glantine Invite/Sporting Event at Templeglantine (Jun 13), Glenbrohane School Reunion (1-21 Aug), St. Marys Boys NS School Reunion in Abbeyfeale (22-24 Mar), Anglesboro Village Reunion (12-14 Jul), McCoy Family Reunion in Newcastle West & Ballybunion (29th Mar - Apr 2013), Clounleharde School Reunion (29 June), Kilbehenny Potato Festival (13-19 Aug), O' Malley Gathering in Murroe (17 Mar), and the Lackelly Ambush Trail in Knockcarron (6 May).
€500 - Fitzgerald Clan Gathering 3 Part Series in Adare (20, 23, 28 Jun), Knocklong Gala Weekend Festival & Family Events (24-25 Aug), Kilteely Dromkeen Family Festival (19-21 Jul), Irish Golfing Greats Golf Classic in Adare (Jul), Castletown Development Association School Reunion & Festival (15-18 Aug), and Gospel to the Nations Christian Reunion at Limerick Baptist Church in Caherdavin (17 Nov).
€250 - The Geraldine Earls of Desmond Book Launch in Adare (27 Aug).
