The Gathering - Issue 2

Issue 2: Summer

FAMILY FUN & FESTIVALS The best of what’s on offer in Ireland

WIN! WIN! WIN! An amazing trip to Cork Rebel Week worth €1,000

ENJOY A

Get away the easy way to Ireland.

Don’t deny yourself your home comforts, pile them all into the car now and head off on a well deserved Car-cation. Oodles of luggage isn’t the only thing free on your Stena Line sailing: WiFi, movies and kids entertainment are all part of your holiday.

Book now and start packing, your Car-cation awaits!

Single online fares car + driver From Cairnryan – Belfast £79* Fishguard – Rosslare £79* Holyhead – Dublin Port £79* Liverpool – Belfast £79* Holyhead – Dun Laoghaire £119*

stenaline.co.uk

call 08447 70 70 70 or see your travel agent Single Economy online fares shown are valid on selected sailings when booked in advance of travel and a minimum of 42 days. Extra adult from £28 single. £10 service fee applies to non-web car bookings. *Holyhead – Dun Laoghaire route is seasonal and operates to 10 September 2013. Facilities and services may vary by route and craft. Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

Welcome to Contents WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED The Gathering has to date delivered on its promise to encourage visitors to Irish shores and with six months left on the calendar, there’s plenty more planned! ____________ page 4 BORN TO DANCE Seven minutes that changed Irish dance… forever ___________ page 7 FESTIVAL FUN Our top picks of what’s on in Ireland this year ______________ page 8 BEAUTY IS KIN DEEP We look at the most popular clan gatherings in the Emerald Isle _______________________________________ page 14

CONTACT US The Irish Post Tel: 0044 20 8900 4159 www.irishpost.co.uk Find us on Facebook Facebook.com/TheIrishPost Follow us on Twitter @theirishpost

For a full list of Gathering 2013 events go to

www.thegatheringireland.com

RED LETTER DAYS We check out some of the more imaginative gatherings happening over the summer ___________________________ page 18 SCHOOL’S IN FOR SUMMER The lowdown on everything from Irish language, poetry, dance, music, painting, cookery and literature _____________ page 22 DUE NORTH Some of the summer highlights in the North of Ireland _______ page 27 REBEL YELL The best of Cork Rebel Week, plus WIN a trip to Ireland worth €1,000 ____________________________________________ page 28 BARMY V BLARNEY Ireland’s cricketers take on England in Dublin _____________ page 30

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We’re just getting START

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RADITIONAL music, dance, drama, film, busking and poetry — this year’s Gathering in Ireland is presenting culture, craic, heritage and entertainment in venues ranging from local parish halls to custom-built auditoriums.

Throughout the country, fairs, sporting events, literary festivals, night-time bat safaris, film, wildlife walks and lectures, classical music, ballad sessions, festivals for bearded people, storytelling, historical re-enactments, gatherings of redheads, local history walks, culinary festivals, matchmaking festivals, showband get-togethers — and much, much more — have been organised.

The Gathering 2013 so far has more than lived up to its promise of providing the best of Irish culture and entertainment for visitors. Those who have enjoyed the varied programme have included substantial numbers of the Diaspora from across the globe — either returning home, or visiting the land of their ancestors for the first time.

The entertainment is set to continue.

Upcoming festivities are now taking on a distinctly summer-time feel, with all manner of happenings organised. If you want to be beside the seaside, maritime events are taking place along the coast from Ballydehob in west Cork, to Rathlin in the very north; food festivals take place everywhere from Cork to Carlingford and not forgetting Galway’s famous oyster festivals; and the summer schools that are offering lessons ranging from bodhrán playing to oil painting.

Music, of course, is an important element to The Gathering, with rock, jazz, classical, country, céilí and traditional festivals in every county. Derry will host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2013, the Electric Picnic in Stradbally will be featuring the likes of Fatboy Slim and Björk, while Wexford will be hosting its annual operatic extravaganza.

The ancient fairs and festivals of Ireland will

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also be putting on their best shows this year especially for The Gathering.

The Ould Lammas Fair in Ballycastle, the Puck Fair in Killorglin, and the Mary from Dungloe festival in Donegal — to name just a few — will all be partying away at full throttle. Some of the major stars appearing include Bon Jovi (Slane), Elvis Costello (Mayo), Riverdance (Dublin), José Carreras (Belfast) and Arctic Monkeys (Laois).

Derry, this year’s UK City of Culture, is also celebrating The Gathering in magnificent style.

Notable events over the summer include a concert by Status Quo, the All-Ireland Pipe Band Championships and recitals by the Brodsky Quartet. Derry is also hosting the esoteric delights of the Turner Prize, being staged outside Britain for the first time — the winner of Europe’s premier art prize will be announced in December, but the exhibits are already on show in Derry in Ebrington Square.

So far, The Gathering 2013 has proved to be a great success.

The tourism-led initiative’s stated aim is to mobilise the Irish Diaspora to return to Ireland during this year, and to encourage returning exiles to be part of specially organised national and local gatherings and events.

Those without any Irish connection have also been invited — as so many people have found, you don’t have to be Irish to enjoy Ireland to the full!

Highlights so far have included the St Patrick’s Week festival in Dublin that saw record crowds turning out to support the events, various local clan and family gatherings, and sporting events ranging from fishing competitions to camogie tournaments.

The Gathering has, to date, delivered on its promise, encouraging visitors from across the globe to Irish shores. Over three thousand gatherings have already been held nationwide, and figures released by the Central Statistics Office show that the number of tourists arriving in the country from the period of February to April increased by four per cent.

It is anticipated that during the tourist high season, which began in May and will run until the end of September, figures will show an even bigger increase. Tourism experts point to the fact that many of Ireland’s big ‘set pieces’ — such as the Rose of Tralee Festival, the Wexford Opera Festival, the Galway Races and the All-Ireland GAA finals — are still to take place, and these will undoubtedly boost visitor numbers.

Although the big events will certainly bring in the crowds, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring has been keen to praise local communities who have been crucial in the success of the initiative. “The Gathering is working and I’ve no doubt that by the end of this year it will be deemed a great success,” he said.

Derrynane Beach in Co. Kerry

RTED…

Déan stair linne! ~ Make history with us!

11th - 18th August 2013 jD@CGBGDNHK HD jD@CGBGDNHK ÜjD@CG

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Seven minutes that changed Irish dance... forever!

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N 1994, any time before the Eurovision Song Contest of that year, if you had predicted that a show featuring Irish step dancing would become the next big thing in showbiz, your relatives would have confined you to a darkened room and told you to get as much rest as possible.

But as everyone now knows, Riverdance, which started life as a seven-minute live interval during the Eurovision in Dublin’s Point Theatre, catapulted Irish dancing from parish halls onto the world stage.

The idea itself was simple enough — a chorus line of Irish dancers, but with music, dancing skill, choreography and dress elevating simple step dancing to a riveting spectacle.

Before Riverdance, Irish dancing was considered stuffy and constricting by most of the younger generation in Ireland, a hangover from the parochialism of de Valera’s Ireland.

Abroad, Irish dance had failed to capture the hearts of the world in the way traditional Irish music had.

Irish music was raw, sexy, exciting; dance on the other hand was seen as an art form where you were not encouraged to express yourself.

But those seven minutes in late April “We’re inviting 1994 changed all that forever. dancers from all over the Youngsters from across the Irish Diaspora and beyond soon wanted world to come join us on to get on stage and dance, and July 21 in Dublin so we can the world, it seemed, wanted to smash the world record for watch them.

Millions of satisfied customers the longest line of dancers worldwide — on five different ever.

You don’t need to be continents — have been made aware of the splendours of able to dance all that Irish music and dance. And much but it would help the profile of Irish dancing in if you have a few Ireland, Britain and the rest of the world has continued to steps under your belt. grow.

I really hope you They say that the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest is the can come!” only time an American dancer has won a contest for European singers, JEAN BUTLER, but in reality the real winners have Riverdance been anyone with a love for Irish dance. legend

Dance your way into history This year Riverdance – The Gathering is taking place in Dublin from July 15-21.

On July 21 an attempt will be made on the banks of the River Liffey to break the Guinness World Record for the longest Riverdance line, which was set in Nashville, USA, by 652 dancers.

You can join the stars of Riverdance, including ‘First Lady’ Jean Butler, in this event between Sean O’Casey Bridge

and Beckett Bridge.

Feet will be tapping, the music will be pumping, crowds will be cheering, all to the sound of Riverdance.

Over 1,000 people are expected to line up along the Liffey to break the world record. All you need is to be able to perform the Riverdance steps to a basic competency and have some fun.

■ To take part email: recordgathering@riverdance.com

Special Riverdance events On July 21 there will also be two special performances of Riverdance, at 2.30pm and 5.30pm, in the Gaiety Theatre. The show will be introduced by and feature special guests.

Other highlights include on July 20, The Gathering Céilí at Merrion Square Park. This free event will include music and dance, with Riverdancers providing some informal instruction for aspiring dancers of any ability — whether you’re world champion material or you’ve never danced a step.

In the evening of July 20 a special event, Riverdance: On Screen, will take place at Merrion Square West, tickets from ¤10.

The show’s musicians past and present will showcase their skills as they perform live to a specially edited on-screen backdrop of Riverdance’s DVD highlights over the years.

Full performances of the show will continue at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin from June 27 - September 1. Tickets cost from ¤10 to ¤55 (subject to booking fees) www.ticketmaster.ie. Tel: 00 353 818 719388

HOTEL PACKAGE The Grand Canal Hotel (00 353 1 646 1000 www.grandcanalhotel.ie) is offering a pre-show meal, tickets to Riverdance, a night’s accommodation, full Irish breakfast and free parking for ¤109 pps.

See www.riverdance.com for more details.

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FESTIVAL

fun

A fine balance of comedy, music, theatre, opera, busking, drama, film and food

Australian circus company Casus will perform at this year’s Galway Arts Festival.

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HE Rose of Tralee, the Galway Races, the Ould Lammas Fair, Puck Fair — Ireland’s festivals trip off the tongue. The country has always had more than its fair share of celebrations, dating back to time immemorial. This year with The Gathering, the festival calendar glitters with artists, activities, bands, cultural events, pageants and, of course, plenty of craic. Whether your interests lie in comedy, music, theatre, opera, busking, drama, film or food, you’ll find a gathering to suit your taste this summer.

We survey some of the biggest and best...

Cork Midsummer Festival June 21-30 www.corkmidsummer.com Music, opera, theatre, dance, visual arts and much more in Cork city.

Billed as featuring ‘unique events in unexpected places’, it looks as if it’s going to be as good as its word, with events such as Astor Piazzola’s tango opera Maria de Buenos Aires which tells the story of Maria, a mythical girl from the slums who falls into the rhythm of the city’s underworld.

the town centre, everything from street theatre, comedy and free live music events will be featured. Over 50 performances of top class Irish and international acts will take place throughout the town, including comedy, theatre, traditional music, classical music, film and workshops covering a number of arts and crafts.

Comhaltas International Music Day June 21 www.comhaltas.ie Comhaltas is celebrating the summer solstice by hosting an International Music Day throughout all Comhaltas centres in Co. Monaghan. The Ulster county has always had a very strong music culture, and this Gathering event will be a celebration of the area’s contribution to the tradition.

The Westport Festival of Music and Food June 29-30 www.westportfestival.com Elvis Costello, Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, Christy Moore, The High Kings and the Blind Boys of Alabama are just a few of the acts booked for this weekend set in the 400-acre grounds of the lovely Westport House. Also featured are Irish musical acts, comedy, amazing food village, quality on-site camping, beer tents and wine bars.

Elvis Costello will play at The Wesport Festival of Music and Food in June.

Clonmel Junction Festival July 5-14 www.junctionfestival.com Tipperary is putting on a huge show for The Gathering, including The Clonmel Junction Festival.

Featuring nine days of events in

Advertorial

Join in the 400th Anniversary celebrations by visiting Leitrim during 2013 This year, 2013, marks 400 years since Carrick-on-Shannon, with its unique history and geographic location, was awarded its charter

by James 1st. To celebrate, the town, in county Leitrim in the west of Ireland, is hosting a year long festival of events.

As part of ‘The Gathering’ initiative, Carrick-on-Shannon natives, now living all over the world, are being encouraged to return home to join in the celebrations, along with visitors from Ireland and abroad.

Leitrim is home to 30,000 people, with Carrick-on-Shannon at its

centre. However, its reach goes well beyond that, with a diaspora estimated at over 4 million across the globe.

Some of the highlights include:

The ‘marina capital’ of Ireland, Carrick-on-Shannon has an impressive array of visitor facilities centred around the river Shannon.

In excess of 52,000 visitors are expected to celebrate and take part in this major milestone in the town’s history. There is something for everyone to enjoy, with sport, history, art, culture and music events taking place throughout the year.

May

John McGahern Summer School

June

Carrick-on-Shannon Carnival 400 Carrick Water Music Festival

July

Connacht Fleadh Shannon Boat Rally

September

Literary Heritage Week Leitrim Roots Festival National Hot Air Balloon Championship

October

Sessions at the Shannon

November

Carrick-on-Shannon 400 Closing Ceremony

So, why not join in the celebrations by adding Leitrim to your holiday wish list for 2013?

This project received grant aid from the Leitrim Development Company Rural Development Company which is financed by the Irish Government under the Rural Development Programme 2007 – 2013 and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Europe investing in Rural Areas.

or visit www.carrickonshannon400.ie for more great events!

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Galway Arts Festival July 15-28 www.galwayartsfestival.com Galway Arts Festival is one of Ireland’s largest and most prestigious annual arts festivals. This year’s event features over 400 writers, artists, performers and musicians from Canada, England, France, Scotland and the US joining those from Ireland. Expect theatre, street art, music, comedy, literature and much more.

Highlights include Imelda May, Grizzly Bear, Josh Ritter, Glen Hansard with Damien Dempsey.

Mary from Dungloe International Festival July 27-August 5 www.maryfromdungloe.com Music, sport, beauty contests, carnival parades, Irish dancing, céilís and of course the crowning of Mary from Dungloe are all part of the proceedings at this long-running Donegal festival.

Reek Sunday July 29 www.croagh-patrick.com Croagh Patrick, in Co. Mayo has been a sacred place since pre-Christian times. However pilgrimages up the mountain on Reek Sunday have only been going for 1,500 years. Many pilgrims try to get to the top of the mountain in their bare feet, but even if you keep your boots on you’ll still be affected by the camaraderie and atmosphere of this event.

The Galway Races July 29-August 4 www.galwayraces.com Indulge yourself in a week of soaking up the atmosphere, studying form, and hurling tornup betting slips into the bin. Racing tips and tipple, fairground amusements and music, plus busking, hawking and of course “half-a-million people there of all denomination — the Catholic, the Protestant, the Jew, the Presbyterian” according to the song.

Feile An Phobail August 1-11 www.feilebelfast.com Traditional music, street parades, theatre, Irish dance and much, much more at the North’s biggest community festival.

Waterford Spraoi Festival August 2-4 www.spraoi.com Waterford’s international street festival once again features artists from around the world performing in Waterford’s ancient streets. One of the

Wexford Opera Festival October 23 - November 3 www.wexfordopera.com Since the 1950s the annual Wexford Opera Festival has been a fixture in the international opera calendar.

Some of the world’s greatest singers have made their debuts here, and long forgotten masterpieces have had new life breathed into them. This year’s festival features operas from three composers: Massenet, Foroni and Rota. And even if you haven’t got tickets for the main events, there’s street opera, pub opera, and even operaoke — a type of operatic karaoke, if you hadn’t guessed.

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August is the time for Roses in Tralee — the festival is hosted by RTÉ broadcaster Daithí O’Sé, above. centerpieces of the festival is the Spraoi Parade featuring hundreds of performers, flamboyant costumes, spectacular floats, incredible puppets, original live music and special effects.

Puck Fair August 9-12 www.puckfair.ie Puck Fair has added an extra Gathering day to its 400-year-old festival in order to welcome

Hats off to the ladies at the Galway Races.

home those from abroad who are attending the event. The fair is one of Ireland’s oldest and longest celebrated and features 12 hours of free family street entertainment every year.

Kilkenny Arts Festival August 9-18 www.kilkennyarts.ie Kilkenny Arts Festival features theatre, music, literature, visual art, children’s events and street performers. A theatrical highlight this year will be Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Company’s production of The Taming of the Shrew, and musically high spots will include the Kilkenny Arts Festival Chorus’s performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana and pianist Barry Douglas’s Camerata Ireland.

The Rose of Tralee August 14-20 www.roseoftralee.ie Just about Ireland’s biggest celebration, when Tralee plays host to the world. The centrepiece is the Rose selection itself, in which young women of Irish birth or ancestry take part in a unique televised contest. The Rose of Tralee Festival is themed on the love song The Rose of Tralee, by William Mulchinock, a 19th century wealthy merchant who was in love with Mary O’Connor, his family’s maid.

The Ould Lammas Fair August 27-28 Ballycastle has been holding this event for 300 years. It’s a cross between a large village féte, a country fair and a gigantic car boot sale, with narrow streets crammed with stalls selling everything from farm produce to toys and bric-a-brac.

Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival August 30-September 30 www.matchmakerireland.com Romance is the theme of this festival which takes place in Lisdoonvarna in Co. Clare throughout the month of September.

There’s dancing during the week and at weekends, with matchmaking maestro himself, Willie Daly, presiding over all matters

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matrimonial. He’ll tell you the, er, rules of engagement.

Also this year for the first time there will be a gay and lesbian matchmaking festival, which will run from August 30 to September 1.

Clarenbridge Oyster Festival September 13-15 www.clarenbridge.com Galway’s Clarenbridge Oyster Festival first began in 1954, and hasn’t missed a year since.

Beginning on September 13, this year’s event has embraced The Gathering as a theme, and promises an extravaganza of seafood, outrageous culinary treats, as well as art exhibitions, yacht races, fine wine and gourmet evenings, traditional music and dancing.

Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival September 26-29 www.galwayoysterfest.com A feast of fine food, stout and Guinness awaits those who make the journey to Galway for the oyster season — and not forgetting the brown wheaten bread, soda farls and champagne to wash it all down. This year’s event includes the Oyster ‘Olympics’ or World Oyster Opening Championship, foodie talks and tasting events in some of Galway’s best restaurants, historic tours, a Mardi Gras style Gala event through the streets of Galway and in association with The Gathering Ireland 2013, the Tribal Oyster Feast Off oyster eating competition celebrating the 14 tribes of Galway.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dublin this year.

Cork Rebel Weekend October 14-20 www.corkrebelweek2013.com This will be a week-long celebration of “all things Cork” with a specific Gathering focus on bringing international visitors and family home to Cork.

Everything from a celebration of Michael

Flightfest, Dublin — September 15 This September Dublin welcomes FlightFest as part of The Gathering Ireland 2013.

Over 30 aircraft will fly through the capital city, setting off from Dublin Airport, into Dublin Port and up along the River Liffey, as far as the Customs House.

The flypast through the city centre will take two hours to complete, with flights sequenced at five minutes intervals. As part of this free family event, a large section of the quays will be pedestrianised, with many family attractions and festivities available — all contributing to a carnival atmosphere that will showcase Irish aviation.

Large commercial aircraft from Ireland and abroad will fly past, including the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320, A321, A300, A330 and A340 aircraft.

The Irish Air Corps and the Royal Air Force will also participate and spectators will enjoy a variety of helicopters and vintage aircraft including the World War II Spitfire and the B-17 Flying Fortress.

The FlightFest flypast takes place on the afternoon of Sunday, September 15.

Collins to an appreciation of Cork food and drink will be included in the events.

Belfast Festival October 18 - November 3 www.belfastfestival.com Featuring everything from film to world music, one definite highlight of the festival will be Paté De Fuá, a band created in Mexico in 2005 by musicians from Argentina and Mexico. They fuse genres into sounds as diverse as Dixieland, traditional jazz, tango, pasodoble and mussette.

Sligo Live October 23-28 www.sligolive.ie Sligo Live presents more than 100 performances from folk, roots and indie musicians. Over six days the cafes, pubs, hotels, clubs, shopping centres and theatres of Sligo stage intimate performances by top Irish and international acts.

Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival, Derry October 29 - November 2 It’s generally acknowledged that Derry’s Halloween festival is the biggest and best in the world. This year with The Gathering and Derry being the UK City of Culture, the celebrations will be of epic proportions. A spooky spotlight will be shone on the city and all it has to offer in terms of culture, art, imagination and of course fun, as Derry’s premier annual event is showcased.

New Year’s Eve Dublin Festival December 31 www.visitdublin.com/event/NYE_Dublin The city centre will be buzzing as we bring the music straight to you with a host of world class acts taking to the College Green stage for the Countdown Concert. The main event of the NYE Dublin Festival is the New Year’s Eve Countdown Concert at College Green, the only ticketed event of the festival. In addition, there are a series of free events over the course of the two-day festival including: fireworks display in St. Stephen’s Green; Procession of Light through Dublin’s streets broad and narrow; five festival zones located around Dublin city centre and the Big Brunch which takes place in Meeting House Square on New Year’s Day.

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Make the most of your trip to Ireland this year with

The Gathering Gestures App Download your FREE Gathering Gestures App and enjoy complimentary experiences in Ireland in 2013 To help visitors from Britain make the most of their holiday to Ireland in this special year of The Gathering, the industry has come together to provide a series of gestures for their guests as a token of appreciation for spending time with them during their trip.

Check out The Gathering Gestures App and enjoy experiences such as complimentary champagne, fly-fishing lessons, indulgent sea-weed baths, golf on some of the country’s top courses and much more.

Add to your adventure in Ireland this year with The Gathering Gestures App

What’s in a

NAME?

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The Gathering will be featuring many family and clan gatherings. We look at the 10 most common names in Ireland, their origins, and where they’re likely to be hanging out this year

Murphy Murphy comes from the original Irish Ó Murchadha or Mac Murchaidh, a personal name meaning ‘sea-warrior’. It’s a ubiquitous name, common in every county. There’s a Murphy Clan meeting in Clare on August 21 and a Morrissey Murphy Gathering in Cork on November 10.

Kelly / O’Kelly Kelly derives from the Irish name Ó Ceallaigh meaning descendant of Ceallach. The first name Ceallach was at one time believed to have meant bright-headed, but the current thinking is that it derives from frequenting churches — related to the Irish Skibbereen Fitzgeralds of The Abbey ceall manway Co. Dun Co. Cork and Lisbealad, meaning Cork Hotel, t Wes The in her Cork will gat church.

8-10. This ber Skibbereen from Septem As well r about hea to ty uni ort opp is a one-off as being far. and r nea and meet the Clan from prevalent a Ann t tac con , ails det her For furt in Ireland, it il ema or 598 on 00353 863634 is also very om ail.c @gm rris zno afit ann common in

Fitzgerald Clan Gathering

O’Sullivan / Sullivan From the Irish Ó Súileabháin or Ó Súilleabháin, the origins of this ancient name is the subject of some dispute.

The root word is ‘suil’ (eye), so the name may translate as Grandson of the One-eyed or Hawk-eyed One. The name is associated with the southwestern part of Ireland. It was originally found in Co. Tipperary before the Anglo-Norman invasion, and spread steadily to Cork and Kerry.

■ Gathering news: There are O’Sullivan Clan Gatherings on June 29 (Cork), July 9-10 (Cork) and from October 1-4 a ‘Genealogy through Native West Kerry Names’ symposium and

workshop will be held at The Blasket Centre, Dunquin, Co. Kerry.

Walsh Walsh means Briton or foreigner, literally ‘Welshman’. The name arrived in Ireland after the Anglo-Norman Invasion from 1169 AD onwards, carried by British soldiers (mainly Welsh, Cornish and Cumbrian). The name is most widespread in Co. Mayo and Co. Kilkenny.

Other variants include Walshe, Welsh, Brannagh and Breathnach, the latter being the Irish translation for British. The name is also related to Wallace.

■ Gathering news: Glasnevin Museum in Dublin will be hosting a Walsh Family Gathering from August 5-11. There will also be a Walsh Clan Family Gathering in Wexford on August 18.

Galloway and the Isle of Man. ■ Gathering news: There is a Kelly Family Reunion on June 8 in Donegal, a Kelly Reunion in Kerry on June 21, a Kelly Gathering in Mayo on August 4, and Glasnevin Museum’s Kelly Family Gathering is August 1218 in Dublin.

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Smith Smith, or in Irish MacGowan or Mac an Ghabhann, derives from the Irish ‘gabha’ meaning smith, as in blacksmith, silversmith etc.

MacGowan can be an Irish or a Scottish name.

In Ireland, the clan Mac an Ghabhan, meaning ‘son of the smith’, originated in Co. Cavan where, in mediaeval times, they were included by the chroniclers of the O’Rilleys as one of the principal septs, or families, of the ancient kingdom of Breffny. In the following centuries, many of this family chose, or were forced, to anglicise their name to Smith or Smythe.

descended from Bran, the King of Munster, who died in 1052 AD. In pre-Anglo Norman Invasion times, the O’Byrnes lived on the plains of Kildare. As the Norman occupation progressed the O’Byrnes were pushed eastwards into poorer, mountainous land, and eventually based themselves in the Wicklow Mountains.

■ Gathering news: A Clan O’Byrne Gathering will be held in Wicklow on October 4; Glasnevin Museum’s Byrne Family Gathering begins July 29, and the Byrne Clan of Clare Gathering takes place on August 27.

Ryan / O’Ryan There are several possible origins for the surname Ryan. One popular derivation is that it derives from the Irish for king, ‘rí’ with a diminutive suffix, in other words ‘small king’.

In some cases it may be a simplified form of Mulryan. In others the surname may be derived from the Irish Ó Riagháin, descendant of Rían; or Ó Maoilriain descendant of Maoilriaghain; or Ó Ruaidhín descendant of the little red one.

No specific area is identified with Ryan — perhaps testament to the fact that Byrne / O’Byrne the name has arisen The Leitrim Roots Genealogy Festival, taking The name Byrne is from several place from September 20-28, is looking to persuade derived from independent sources. people of Leitrim heritage abroad to lol — Love Our Ó Broin, meaning ■ Gathering news: Leitrim. The 2013 Genealogy Festival programme will Carlow will be descendant of give visitors the opportunity to engage with on-site hosting a Ryan Bran. The genealogists and local communities, and to find out more Family Clan forename Bran is about the county their ancestors came from. The Gathering beginning of great antiquity, festival will also feature cultural events including July 27; there is an dating back to the music concerts, heritage lectures on roots-related international gathering Ulster sagas. topics and tours of the tranquil surroundings of of Ryans in Tipperary Today’s Byrnes, Leitrim, a truly hidden gem in the Irish beginning August 23. however, are probably landscape. To find out more visit www.leitrimrootsfestival.com

O’Brien The O’Brien dynasty, in Irish Uí Briain or Ó Briain, was founded in the 10th century by Brian Ború. After becoming King of Munster, Brian established himself as Ard Rí na hÉireann (High King of Ireland). The name continued to be common in Munster long after the O’Briens’ hold on the land was loosened.

■ Gathering news: The Glasnevin Museum’s O’Brien Family Gathering takes place July 15-21.

Love Leitrim

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Connor / O’Connor O’Connor derives from Ó Conchobhair — descendant of Conchobhar (dog lover). Several unrelated Ó Conchobhair families independently originated the name — in Derry, Sligo/Roscommon, Offaly/Laois, Clare, Kerry Limerick and Cork.

The name O’Connor is sometimes cited as the oldest family name in Ireland. However, the name and history is so tied up with the ancient Irish sagas that it is quite difficult to separate fact from myth.

■ Gathering news: The Kilcooly O’Connor Clan Gathering begins in Kerry on July 13.

Calling all Heneghans The Heneghan Clan Gathering is offering an exciting mix of fun and culture in North Mayo.

From June 21-24 Heneghans will be coming from all over the world to commemorate and celebrate the clan.

A full programme of events includes guided historic tours, visits to heritage centres, music sessions and more.

There will also be a ‘Who do you think you are?’ session detailing the history of the Heneghans, with over 3,000 Heneghans from across Mayo mapped on family trees dating back to the 1700s.

A full programme of events and prices can be seen on www.gaolsiar.com or contact Barbara Heneghan on 00353 872169625.

O’Neill The name O’Neill derives from the original Uí Néill, or descendant of Niall. The meaning of Niall is often disputed, but has been suggested as cloud, passionate or champion. The progenitor of the family is said to be Niall Noigiallach of the Nine Hostages. According to legend he was the High King of Ireland in the 5th century AD, but most historians believe that this cannot be substantiated. The first High Kings of Ireland which have some historical provenance date back to the 9th century. It would have been the grandsons of the 19th century king Niall Glúndub, a descendant of Niall Noigiallach, who were the first to use the surname Uí Néill. The original Northern O’Neills originated in and around modern-day Tyrone, while the Southern O’Neills hail from around Clare.

■ Gathering news: Glasnevin Museum’s Ryan Family Gathering is on June 24-30 and the O’Neill Family Gathering in Westmeath begins on June 28.

Genealogy course for the Monaghan Diaspora A Monaghan family history initiative is being organised as part of The Gathering 2013.

It will provide two four-day training courses this October for tourists tracing their Monaghan ancestors.

The project, County Monaghan Genealogy — Home to the Little Hills, will give people information on the genealogical sources available, the cultural history of Co. Monaghan and the diversity of its people.

The courses take place in North Monaghan from October 14-17 and in Carrickmacross from October 2124. They are designed for individuals and groups with Monaghan ancestry living overseas and members of Irish societies and social clubs abroad.

The project has been organised by Clogher Historical Society, Monaghan County Library and the County Monaghan Heritage Gathering Committee.

If you are a native of Monaghan or know someone who might be interested, contact John Hamrock on info@ancestor.ie or 00353 87 0505296.

McCormack Clan Gathering A McCormack Clan Gathering is being organised this August in Kildare as part of The Gathering 2013.

An invitation has been extended to all McCormacks from across the globe to attend.

The Clan Gathering will open with a concert by RTÉ presenter Aoife Nic Cormaic, and it promises to be an action-packed weekend with events for all ages, including a sports day, clan dinner dance, finishing with a clan march through Kildare town.

The Antrim branch of the McCormack Clan established several settlements in Scotland, with one branch stretching into the North of England. McCormacks have since settled in huge numbers in Liverpool, Manchester, London, and also in Australia and Canada.

Today the McCormack Clan is listed as being one of the 50 largest clans in Ireland and worldwide numbers exceed over 170,000.

To find out more about the McCormick/McCormack Clan Gathering, taking place from August 9-11 in Co. Kildare, email tomasmaccormaic@yahoo.ie.

dublin 26 Sep– theatre 13 Oct festival 2013

Celebrate The Gathering Ireland 2013 with a visit to one of the world’s greatest theatre festivals.

Dublin Theatre Festival presents classic drama by celebrated Irish playwrights and artists alongside the best of international theatre, music, dance and family events.

– Full programme launch: 10 July Tickets on sale: 30 July 2013

www.dublintheatrefestival.com

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RED

letter days

I

reland’s big festivals such as the Rose of Tralee and Puck Fair are pulling out all the stops in this year of The Gathering, with an array of glittering entertainment. But as well as the more established events, there are dozens of small festivals dotted round the country, specialising in niche pursuits and minority interests of every conceivable sort.

We look at some of these imaginative gatherings happening over the summer‌

The Irish Redhead Convention takes place in Co. Cork this August.

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Summer Solstice Shamanic Gathering June 20-23 www.shamanismireland.com This three-day event is open to those who wish to explore their deeper, spiritual side — often known as your Shamanic side — by visiting the ancient, sacred sites of Co. Meath.

Ritualistic, healing and spiritual ceremonies will be performed at these sites in the Boyne Valley.

Other highlights include a sacred Celtic sweatlodge ceremony, where you’ll journey into Mother Earth inside a stine cairn.

Workshops include ecstatic journeying, trance dance and breathwork. Don’t ask when the karaoke begins!

Record for most bearded men in one place.

Even if they do break the record, however, it’s likely to be a close shave…

Swift Satire Festival Trim, Co. Meath July 4-7 Tel: 00 353 87 985 5072 The Swift Satire Festival is unique — no other

festival in the world is dedicated to satire in all its forms. Co. Meath’s event celebrates the life, works and legacy of Dean Jonathan Swift, English literature’s greatest satirist, who resided in Trim for a significant part of his life.

Walk with the Children of Lir Carrowteige, Mayo June 20-26 www.errisbeo.ie/thegatherings This week-long festival includes guided walks, coastal walking trails, storytelling — and of course a visit to Inishglora, hidden away on the far side of the Mullet peninsula, where the Children of Lir eventually found peace after spending hundreds of years swimming around as swans thanks to Ireland’s very own wicked stepmother Aoife, wife of King Lir. The Town of 1000 Beards Festival Ballymoe, Co. Galway June 28 – July 1 www.facebook.com/TheTownOf1000Beards Calling all people with an abundance of facial hair! The place to be this summer is Ballymoe, Co. Galway. There will be beard-related events and hairy fun all weekend, culminating in an attempt to break the existing Guinness World

17th -25th August

www.heritageweek.ie

National Heritage Week is coordinated by the Heritage Council with support from Fáilte Ireland and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 40 countries across Europe.

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Proceedings include nationally and internationally acclaimed satirists, comics, politicians and spin doctors, social commentators and academics who will speak and argue in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

The 2013 Festival will include a Gathering theme.

Swift (right) was one of the bestknown letterwriters in the English language, an art form that was clearly one of the key points of contact between the Irish Diaspora and those who remained at home.

Beal Boru Ringfort Gathering Killaloe, Co. Clare July 4-7 Tel: 00 353 87 6677370 Highlights of this festival include a 15km hike along historical Brian Boru sites during the four days of the Brian Boru Festival.

Each hiker brings some food from their country to share with the rest of the group. So if you’re journeying home from England, don’t forget to pack the English national dish, chicken tikka masala.

Guides speaking seven languages will lead the groups along all the historical sites.

Hints of History Gathering Festival Russborough House, Co. Wicklow July 6-7 Tel 00 353 45-865239 www.russboroughhouse.ie The beautiful stately home of Russborough House promises everything from opera on the lawn to a hog roast and picnic in the grounds. Talks and craft demos, as well as music and theatre will also be part of the proceedings.

Fermoy International Poetry Festival Competition Fermoy, Co. Cork August 1-5 www.fermoypoetryfestival.com Competition is probably not the first word you associate with poetry, but poets do indeed compete. It’s not all lying on couches languidly conjuring up rhymes, you know.

This year’s Fermoy International Poetry Festival Competition will feature three international winners who will read their winning entries out at the festival.

Featured poets, who will give readings and conduct workshops, include: Tsead Bruinja (Netherlands), Noel King (Co. Kerry), Matthew Sweeney (Donegal), Jan Glass (Netherlands), Michèle Vassal (France, but moved to Ireland at the age of 17), Kim Moore (Britain), Bradley R. Strahan (US) and Gene Barry (Cork).

Tedfest Castletownroche, Co. Cork August 2-5 www.thegatheringireland.com Celebrating everything to do with Father Ted and the Craggy Island crew, this festival is

Old Days Old Ways Longford Heritage Festival August 1-31 www.longfordtourism.ie The theme for the festival is quite simply discovering Longford’s rich history and heritage through a variety of workshops, exhibitions, walks and talks throughout the county. Experts will give help with family trees, old trades like blacksmithing and turf-cutting will be demonstrated, and Longford’s natural history visited.

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probably dreaded by the local parish priests. Expect comedians, fancy dress, actors who appeared in the series, screenings of iconic episodes and lots of people saying: “It’s mad, Ted.�

Ukulele Hooley by the Sea DĂşn Laoghaire August 20-21 www.ukulelehooley.com On Saturday, August 20 this festival devoted to the diminutive Hawaiian instrument begins with a moving Ukulele Busk — ‘moving’ as in ‘not stationery’, not ‘moving’ as in ‘poignant’, an emotion probably outside the ukulele’s remit.

The big busk will be followed by a Ukulele Evening in the Kingston Hotel.

On Sunday 21 the main location for the festival is the People’s Park. Events will include workshops for beginners and advanced players, an open mic competition and a big ukulele raffle. The main event is a free concert: among the ukulele hooley line-up will be Belgian rag-timers The Winin Boys; Dutch virtuoso Ukulelezaza and Scottish ‘punk’ duo Gus and Fin. Also on show will be the homegrown talent of the DĂşn Laoghaire based Ukuhooleys as well as the musical finery of The Ukuristic Congress.

The Irish Redhead Convention, Co. Cork www.redheadconvention.ie August 23-25 Whether you’re ginger or not, this is one gathering you won’t want to miss! The Redhead Convention started as a joke between two siblings and grew into one of Ireland’s most exciting festivals with proceeds going to the Irish Cancer Society. Taking place in the village of Crosshaven, Co. Cork, the convention includes activities like freckle counting competitions, a ginger chef cook-off, photo shoots and much more.

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School’s in for SUMMER

From bodhráns to baking, surfing to sketching, Ireland’s summer schools offer something for all

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HIS year The Gathering 2013 has ensured a packed programme of festivals, fleadhs and celebrations across Ireland. But as well as the craic ’n’ roll some festivals are very much in the ‘active voice’ — in other words you play a major starring role yourself, either by taking part, learning a new pursuit, or honing your skills in a variety of disciplines. These include everything from the Irish language, poetry, dance, painting, cookery, literature and playing musical instruments.

LAOIS Summer Art Workshops July www.laois.ie Fun, creative art and craft workshops for children aged between 6-12 years old, run by professional artists at The Arthouse and Library, Stradbally, Co. Laois, during the month of July.

The emphasis is on learning art and craft skills,

The Robert Boyle Summer School offers chemistry with a cultural twist.

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WATERFORD The Robert Boyle Summer School July 4-7 www.robertboyle.ie Named after one of Ireland’s most famous sons, Robert Boyle was also known as the Father of Chemistry. This school is aimed at everyone who has an interest in Irish history, culture and science. Features, lectures, discussion groups and workshops.

A fiddle playing masterclass from Matt Cranitch could hit the right note.

developing confidence and creativity while enjoying the process. The cost is €30 per child per workshop (2 hours per day for 4 days).

DUBLIN Matt Cranitch Fiddle Master class July 2 www.mattcranitch.com 00 353 01 16788542 Fiddlers, both foreign and domestic, are invited to this masterclass to improve their triplets, grace notes and bowing action. Matt Cranitch is not only an author (The Irish Fiddle Book) he has also contributed to other books on Irish traditional music, and received a PhD from the University of Limerick for his study on the fiddle-playing tradition of the region.

CLARE Willie Clancy Festival July 6-14 www.willieclancyfestival.com Probably one of the best known and largest traditional music festivals, the event has been held since 1973 in memory of one of Ireland’s greatest uilleann pipers Willie Clancy.

All events are held in or near Miltown Malbay starting on the first Saturday in July.

Registration for music and dance classes takes place on Saturday and Monday. The registration fee of €140 includes six classes, all lectures and recitals (except the Saturday concert) and reduced price admission to céilí events.

DONEGAL Ceol na Coille Summer School of Irish Traditional Music July 15-19 http://tradconnect.com/events This long-established traditional school is based in Glenswilly, Letterkenny.

For The Gathering year the school says they are “welcoming Irish music enthusiasts of all ages and abilities from Ireland and abroad for this week-long summer school.” Some of the region’s finest performers and teachers will be on hand to deliver tuition and recitals.

Drumshanbo plays host to the awardwinning Joe Mooney Summer School ...a week-long festival of traditional Irish music, song and dance GALWAY Irish Language Classes July-August www.nuigalway.ie/international-summer-school The National University of Ireland, Galway is offering Irish language courses at beginners and intermediate levels each summer. The courses are located at the university’s Irish language centre in Carraroe in the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht (approx 1 hour from Galway City).

The four-week courses cost €1,450.

Accommodation can also be arranged. Email summerschool@nuigalway.ie for details.

CORK Ballymaloe Cookery School Throughout 2013 www.cookingisfun.ie The Ballymaloe Cookery School at Shanagarry in Co. Cork is running cookery classes throughout the year. Everything from designing your own herb garden to middle eastern flavours, plus all culinary stops in between are included.

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Galway Film Fair 11th–13th July 2013

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Amongst many highlights will be Quick Draw day in Enniscorthy on August 3, when artists have just two hours to complete a painting in or near the Market Square. There are several sponsored prizes from local businesses on offer.

Draw inspiration from The Avoca Painting School‘s classes and workshops.

MONAGHAN William Carleton International Summer School August 5-8 This long-established summer school in Monaghan Town aims to foster critical examination of Carleton’s work as well as presenting the best of today’s writing by Irish writers.

Carleton himself was a leading Irish writer of the 19th century, a native of the Clogher Valley in Co. Tyrone. He was one of 14 children, and attended a hedge school outside Glaslough, Co. Monaghan.

LEITRIM Joe Mooney Summer School July 20-27 www.joemooneysummerschool.com Every July, Drumshanbo plays host to the awardwinning Joe Mooney Summer School. This is a week-long traditional festival of Irish music, song and dance named after the man who did so much to promote the cause of Leitrim.

Classes are open to people of all ages with some previous experience, although beginners are welcome to the set dancing, tin whistle and bodhrán classes.

CLARE The Boghill Centre July 28 - August 10 The Boghill Centre is a sustainable complex with

a strong environmental policy set on 50 acres of land on the edge of the Burren. This year of The Gathering it’s running two traditional music weeks, with workshops, home-baked food, traditional Irish music sessions and an optional programme of afternoon activities including kayaking, surfing, caving, climbing and Cliffs of Moher nature tour.

WEXFORD Ireland’s 6th International Plein Air Painting Festival July 29 - August 10 Art in the Open workshops feature some of the best-known painters from several countries demonstrating and explaining aspects of their approach to art. Several workshops will feature ‘paint-outs’ at spectacular locations throughout the south-east of Ireland.

CALLING ALL

budding writers...

West Cork Literary Festival July 7-13 www.westcorkmusic.ie/literaryfestival Workshops include everything from how to get started writing that novel to penning a few lines of poetry. Probably one of the most laid-back literary festivals in these islands.

For further information go to www.writinghomeireland.com

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CLARE Merriman Summer School August 14-18 www.merriman.ie The Merriman Summer School, this year held in Lisdoonvarna, is one of Ireland’s most prestigious gatherings. This year’s school will take a close look at politics, society and culture on the island of Ireland over the past 15 years since the Good Friday Agreement.

WICKLOW Avoca Painting School Summer 2013 www.avocapaintingschool.com A variety of classes and workshops are being held throughout the summer, from oil painting to sketching.

Gatherings not to be missed June 23 The Clare Volunteer Centre is inviting people with the name Claire, Clair or Clare to travel to Ennis on June 23 to beat the world record for the greatest number of people sharing the same name to gather in one location at the same time.

To date, the largest gathering of people with the same first name is 1,096 Mohammeds as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival at Creek Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates in February 2005. The previous record for a same name gathering was created by 375 Marias in Spain in 2003.

Any family wanting to get involved should contact 00353 65 68 66 800.

The Clare Gathering event forms part of the ‘Welcoming Claire to County Clare, Ireland’ project, one of the estimated 230 Gathering festivals and events taking place throughout Co. Clare this year. See www.welcomingclairetoclare.com for more details.

June 29 The Golfing Insomniacs gathering features 18 holes and has a 4am start time. This is no average golf tournament, as the 18-hole competition kicks off at 4am with a shotgun start. Westport Golf Club is extending the invitation to golfers in Ireland and overseas to link up with three friends or come alone. As compensation for the early start, golfers will get to enjoy a sunrise with Croagh Patrick in the background.

July 15-21 Abbeyfeale in Co. Limerick will host a reunion of the four secondary schools that were subsumed into the new Coláiste Ide agus Iosef from July 15-21. Events include: AllIreland Nuns’ Race followed by an attempt to create a world record for the most nuns doing the Harlem Shake. There will also be a Heritage Day with presentations on the Origins of the Irish and the work houses of Abbeyfeale, as well as bog and nature walks in the town park. There will also be a Mass

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for deceased students and teachers, a family fun day and parish football tournament.

For more details contact Marian Harnett on marianharnett1@gmail.com or 00353 876866450.

July 21 The International Horse Shoe Throwing Competition is a light-hearted contest taking place on Regatta Day in Ventry, Co Kerry, and features as the main land-based activity for the day taking place on the village green. This year the organisers have invited horseshoe throwing clubs from Britain, America and Germany, so the competition is sure to heat up.

July 28 A special service takes place in St. Andrew’s Church Rathdowney, Co Laois at 10.45am remembering those who had to emigrate in years gone by and those who have left in recent times.

The Mass takes place in the Holy Trinity Church at 11am, and a book of intentions will be offered for all family and friends away from home. Flare in the Square then takes place from 4-9pm - a free outdoor music event for all the family. For other events in Rathdowney and surrounding areas check out www.laoistourism.ie July 28- August 5 The Durrow Scarecrow Festival is a four-year-old Co Cork festival offering something for all ages and includes the All Ireland Scarecrow Championship, with dozens of scarecrows coming from around the country to compete. This year for The Gathering Ireland, the organisers have also invited people from similar festivals around the world and have added an international category to the competition.

August 2-4 Ballina Arts Centre will be a focal point for top quality

entertainment over the August Bank Holiday weekend as the beautiful new centre by the River Moy hosts three major concerts as part of the Mayo North Gathering Festival.

Friday 2: A re union of the Manchester-based traditional group, Young, Gifted & Green together with the Keegan Academy of Irish Dance featuring James Keegan, one of the principal dancers of Lord of the Dance. There will also be a host of special guests from Manchester as well as a number of performers from Mayo.

Saturday 3: Ballina’s acclaimed Moy Singers will perform a specially themed Gathering concert under the direction of their new Musical Director, Kathy Fahey, bringing together the very best of Irish choral music.

Sunday 4: The emphasis will again be on traditional entertainment when the highly popular Atlantic Rhythm Productions perform Shorelines, an extravaganza of traditional Irish music, song and dance.

For information and tickets for all performances contact Ballina Arts Centre on 00353 96 73593 or visit www.ballinaartscentre.com September 6-8 Monaghan Rhythm & Blues Festival – Harvest Time Blues is one of Europe's best blues festivals, taking place in Monaghan town. Come along and enjoy some great US artists in the late night marquee, where the music does not stop until 3am. There will be three acts each night over three nights (tickets €20 per night). Meanwhile the Market House, a building dating back to 1792, will host some fine acoustic acts from the States and closer to home. Finally, 11 great blues acts will make themselves at home in seven great venues with over 40 gigs and no cover charge! See www.harvestblues.ie for details.

If you would like your Gathering listing featured in The Irish Post, email full details to editor@irishpost.co.uk

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HE North of Ireland is this year celebrating both The Gathering, and the fact that Derry is the UK City of Culture.

In honour of that achievement Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2013 will be held in Derry in August. Belfast, needless to say, will be hosting its own music, film and art festivals, fleadhs and concerts — as well as Ulster Ancestry Tours, for those wanting to find out about their forebears.

Those who have returned to Ireland to see whether their

relatives were on board the Titanic will find a plethora of information and archives on the subject.

Titanic Belfast, the Ulster Museum, the Line Hall Library and the Ulster Folk Museum are all holding special events.

Antrim, home to some of the tallest tales in Ireland, will be hosting the Ghosts in the Glens Storytelling Festival in October, while back in Derry, the banks of the Foyle will echo with the sights and sounds of the biggest Halloween celebrations on the planet.

Northern picks for summer 2013...

The World Police and Fire Games tug-of-war.

World Police and Fire Games August 1-10 www.2013wpfg.com

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann August 11-18 www.fleadhcheoil.ie

The World Police and Fire Games are being held in Belfast for the first time this year. With over 56 different sports and disciplines being contested in over 42 venues, you’ll be able to cheer on your favourite copper or firefighter.

Over 10,000 competitors from around 70 countries will compete in sports ranging from dodgeball to wrist-wrestling, and not forgetting orienteering, Gaelic football, karate, pistol and shotgun events, soccer and tennis.

One of the most eagerly awaited events is the tug-of-war, being held in the grounds of Stormont. The Government buildings of course have had more than their fair share of tug-of-wars over the years, but this event will really find out which teams are pulling together out on the extensive grounds. The men’s and women’s events (both six- and eight-person teams) take place on August 3.

The track and field events take place over five days from the beginning of August at the Mary Peters Athletics Track in south Belfast, and are likely to include some of the most keenly contested events.

The angling events, in which some of the Irish teams are highly fancied, are being held from August 4-5 at a variety of venues to cater for freshwater fly fishing and sea angling.

Run by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, this is billed as the biggest celebration of Irish culture anywhere in the world. It’s a must, a pilgrimage even, for anyone with an interest in Irish traditional music. As a key element of The Gathering, Derry’s Fleadh 2013 will have a particular focus on bringing together the wider Celtic family and on the promotion of the Irish language.

Seachtain na Gaeilge will feature the biggest collection of Irish language concerts and events ever hosted during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

Fleadh competitions, where competitors vie for the accolade of All-Ireland champion, will be held across the city from August 16-18.

Some 20,000 competitors will compete across a variety of disciplines in Irish music, song, dance and language.

Workshops in singing and instrument playing will take place throughout the week — everything from sean nós to uilleann piping will be available, as well as concerts, seisiúns and impromptu performances across a variety of venues in Derry.

This is the world’s premier Irish music festival, with over a quarter of a million people expected.

First held in 1951 in Mullingar, this is the first time the festival has crossed the border.

Young musicians busk in the street during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. It is being held in Derry this year.

34TH S IT IN

YEAR AND CO UNT ING

THE

CORK FOLK FESTIVAL 2013

° OCTOBER 10–13 TH 2013 °

SCULLION ° ALTAN ° LUMIERE DÓNAL LUNNY ° SYLVAIN BAROU ° FRED

PÁDRAIG RYNNE ° FRANKIE GAVIN & AIDAN COFFEY I DRAW SLOW ° PADDY CASEY ° MÁIRE NÍ CHATHASAIGH

CHRIS NEWMAN ° ARTY MCGLYNN & NOLLAIG CASEY

AIDAN ° PAMELA MORGAN ° JACKIE DALY

MATT CRANITCH ° GRANDPA BANANA THE BOAT BAND ° GER MURPHY & MANY MORE SPE C I A L E V EN T

C OR K C I T Y H A L L

T C E I LI ARGE S BAN E L D H IN THE T

LL STA R AN A

WORLD GATHERING CONCERT

ALL TRADITIONAL MUSICIANS A R E I N V I T E D TO J O I N T H E WITH JOHN SPILLANE C E Í L Í B A N D AT C I T Y H A L L & MANY MORE SIGN UP VIA OUR WEBSITE OR EMAIL TRAD SONG COMP ° SESSIONS ° LECTURE ° WORKSHOPS ° CARLING SESSION TRAIL ° FOOD & FOLK (OPEN MARKET) INFOCORKFOLK@GMAIL.COM ° BOOKING WILL BE OPEN IN JULY FROM WWW.TICKETS.IE

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Celebrating with a

REBEL

YELL

CLASH OF THE ASH: Michael Cussen and Seán Óg Ó hAilpín at Páirc Uí Chaoimh

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HE first ever Cork Rebel Week takes place this October with a seven-day festival celebrating Cork’s heritage and identity.

Organisers are hoping to capture the imagination of Corkonians living locally, nationally and internationally with a range of leisure, entertainment and corporate activities.

Supported by Cork City and County Councils, organisers are hoping Cork Rebel Week will tap into the immense pride Corkonians have in their city and county.

“The overall aim is to make Rebel Week the biggest Gathering event in the country and then grow the event year on year,” they added.

CITY BEAT: Busking in Cork.

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The festival week will take place from October 14-20 and highlights include the inaugural Cork Independence Day on Wednesday, October 16, which is also Michael Collins’ birthday.

The Cork Rebel and Culture Parade then takes place on Saturday, October 19, featuring an international marching band competition.

Towns and regions in the county will also host a schedule of events from October 16-20 to include the Taste of West Cork festival in Skibbereen and the Road Bowling Championship in Clonakilty. TV’s Graham Norton is also expected to travel to Bandon — his hometown.

The Cork County Senior and Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship will bring Cork Rebel Week to a close on October 20.

The clash of the ash was organised to coincide with Cork Rebel Week after Irish people abroad were asked what they would like to attend during the forthcoming Gathering.

Other sporting events include the Irish Laurels Greyhound Final on October 19, the Rebels’ 10k run on October 20 and a Munster Rugby exhibition match.

This week-long event hopes to attract over 5,000 overseas visitors to the Cork region.

And organisers are currently distributing Rebel Passports to the county’s finest in the run up to the event itself.

To date, more than 3,000 Rebel Passports have been granted, with a further 7,000 up for grabs for the Leeaspora and Leesiders.

Singer-songwriter John Spillane became the first Corkonian to be presented with the official passport.

Rebel Week will also see a Global Economic Forum and Networking Event featuring international business figures with Cork links take place in the city and county from October 17-18.

How to get a Rebel Passport?

Proof of international travel will automatically entitle you to the documents.

You can also build points to qualify by doing the following: ● Invite international friends or family home to visit Cork for Rebel Week. ● Help develop an additional local event around Rebel Week. ● Share various Cork Rebel Week related information on Facebook or Twitter.

The full criteria are available at www.corkrebelweek2013.com.

What does it entitle me to?

The passport will give you access to discounts in shops, pubs, hotels, and leisure outlets across the county during the week.

The Irish Hotels Federation has also confirmed that they will give a 10 per cent discount on accommodation throughout Cork Rebel Week.

■ For more information on Cork Rebel Week visit www.corkrebelweek2013.com.

SORTED BOI! It’s official — the Rebel County has become the People’s Republic of Cork with its own Rebel Passport

A €1,000 TRIP TO IRELAND VISIT IRELAND’S ‘REAL’ CAPITAL DURING CORK REBEL WEEK THIS OCTOBER

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HE first ever Cork Rebel Week takes place from October 14-20. This exciting seven-day festival will celebrate Cork’s rich heritage and strong identity, with a fantastic line-up of events running across the city and county. Full information on all events and activities is available at www.corkrebelweek2013.com.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, Cork Rebel Week is giving one lucky couple the chance to fly to the rebel county and join the celebrations, staying in Ireland’s top hotels, driving around Cork’s glorious coastline, and enjoying exquisite food.

To win simply answer the following question:

Where is this year’s Rebel Week taking place?

Send the correct answer plus your name, address, email and telephone number to:

Cork Rebel Week, The Irish Post, 1 Lindsey Street, London EC1A9HP or email competitions@irishpost.co.uk. Closing date for entries is Friday, July 5.

PRIZE DETAILS Return flights for two from Britain to Cork Airport: Aer Lingus’ extensive schedule to Cork Airport includes four daily flights from London Heathrow, as well as services from Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jersey and Manchester. For more information on great fares and schedules, please visit www.aerlingus.com.

Two nights B&B including one evening meal at The West Cork Hotel on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th October: An ideal base to explore what is, arguably, Ireland’s most scenic and unspoilt coastline. All rooms take full advantage of the stunning views over the beautiful River Ilen.

Two nights B&B including one evening meal at the Clarion Hotel Cork: Cork's premier 4 Star City Centre Hotel is superbly located overlooking the famous River Lee and facing the inspired architecture of City Hall and is just a 5 minute stroll from shopping, entertainment and the premier business district.

Five days car hire courtesy of Avis: Experience the ‘uniqueness’ of Ireland from the highlights of the cities to the most beautiful countryside along spectacular roads and ‘boreens’ with one of the best recognised car rental brands in the world.

Fabulous three course meal at Electric: Perched on the banks of the River Lee, Electric sets the scene for you to indulge in Europe’s passion for socialising through food and drink.

Terms & Conditions: Prize is valid from Wednesday October 16 – 20 2013, with flights available on these days from London Heathrow, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jersey or Manchester.

Driver to be over the age of 25 and have a full clean licence for the least two years.

Prize is for two people. Prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative. Usual terms and conditions apply. Full list of T&C available on request.

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BARMY V BLARNEY

Cricket in Malahide

S

OMEWHAT surprisingly, the Irish have a relatively long history in cricket — and it began long before Dublin man Ed Joyce played for England in 2006, steering them to several victories over the next four years.

The earliest cricket match played in Ireland was in the summer of 1792 in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. The match was between an English garrison side led by Colonel Charles Lennox, and a local team who proclaimed themselves “the All-Ireland Eleven”.

Although no team sheets remain, the Irish side is popularly believed to have included at least three well-known hurlers, anxious for a share in the 1,000 guineas stake (an enormous sum for a sporting contest in those days). Sadly for Ireland, the English side won.

The earliest cricket club in Ireland was Carlow County Cricket Club, established in 1792.

Neighbouring counties soon also boasted sides, including Tipperary and Kilkenny. Today, the midland counties, Dublin and the North, remain the stronghold of the game. However, over the

England’s Eoin Morgan and Niall O’Brien of Ireland. Picture: INPHO

Cricket Ireland is currently offering a special supporters’ package from Britain to see Ireland take on the English on September 3.

It includes: two nights in the four-star Bewleys Hotel in Ballsbridge, tickets for the RSA Challenge, access to the Barmy Army V Blarney Army charity T20 match and centuries airport transfers. cricket’s Email info@irishcricket.org or call fortunes in 00 353 1 8947914 for details Ireland have Also see wavered. www.cricketireland.ie The first match played by an official Irish team was in 1855.

Highlights in Ireland’s cricketing history include victories over touring West Indies sides.

In 1969 the West Indies team were taken on a tour of the Bushmills Distillery on the day prior to the match.

Doubtless playwright Samuel Beckett, who won his Nobel prize for literature in 1969, looked on at events with deep interest. Beckett was a cricket player of professional standards, the only Nobel laureate to get a mention in cricket’s ‘Bible’, Wisden.

Ireland beat the West Indies again in 2004 — this time without the help of any distillery tours.

In 2007, the Irish team progressed to the second round of the 2007 World Cup — in which they beat Pakistan and Bangladesh and tied with Zimbabwe — and in the 2011 World Cup they managed to defeat England.

It is against this long history that Ireland take on England on September 3 at Malahide Cricket Ground.

England’s legendary band of supporters, the Barmy Army, will be in full attendance, but doubtless Ireland’s supporters, the Blarney Army, will have plenty to sing about too.

JOEE DOLANN INTERNATIONALL WESTMEATHH BACHELORR FESTIVAL Frii 2ndd Augg – Sunn 4thh Aug

Have You Got What It Takes to Be The Westmeath Bachelor 2013 Want A Free Weekend In Mullingar?

Ireland’s Tim Murtagh and James Shannon celebrate a wicket. Picture: INPHO

Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, Ireland

A Fantastic Winner’s Prize Email Us @ info@joedolan.com

Druim-Sean-Bhoth, Co. Liatroma Éire

Closing date 5th July 2013

3 Greatt Days s in n Mullingar,, Co.. Westmeath Events:

I The Westmeath Bachelor Competition I Joe Dolan – The Reunion Show I The Joe Dolan Impersonator Competition I The Motorcycle Gathering I Street Entertainment and Free Live Music I The Joe Dolan Tour Of Mullingar For more information and details www.joedolan.com or Info@joedolan.com or www.thegatheringireland.com The Mullingar Classic and Vintage Car Rally

30

Irelands Strongest Man Competition 2013 televised for Sky Challenge

20th-27th July Traditional Music, Song & Dance For more information web: www.joemooneysummerschool.com email:info@joemooneysummerschool.com

Your passport to the best news for the Irish in Britain In stores every Wednesday www.irishpost.co.uk

Irish Post THE

T

HE Gathering Ireland promises to make 2013 a year like no other. The calendar is already jam-packed with events ranging from big bashes to small community projects.

Now halfway through the celebrations, the next six months promise to shine even more light on all aspects of Irish culture.

From performing arts to thrilling sporting events and family reunions, people from all over the world have been pledging their Gatherings to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Included are the Irish in Britain who are doing extraordinary things to make 2013 a year to remember.

So if you’re organising an event in Ireland this year or planning to bring visitors back to show them all the wonderful things the country has to offer, then make sure to register your Gathering — no matter how big or small — online today.

To register your event go to www.thegatheringireland.com