Shining the light on The Gathering

THE Gathering 2013 will quite literally shine a light on what the Banner County has to offer over the next 11 months. More than 2,000 people attended the Clare Gathering 2013 official launch and expo at Glór in Ennis at the weekend. The event featured exhibits on 100 of the estimated 230 Gathering festivals and events taking place throughout Clare during 2013.
One of the centrepieces of the event was the lighting of Solas an Chláir (The Light of Clare), a commemorative limestone piece by Corofin stone mason John Goggin, with design inputs from sculptor Shane Gilmore, a draw was held to determine what events The Gathering symbol will be present at during the 11 remaining months of the year.
The first Gathering to welcome Solas an Chláir on its journey around Clare will be the Concertina Cruinniú in Miltown Malbay, in February. March will see the Ennis Phoenix Twinning host the piece, which will stay in Ennis again in April for Gathering the Scattering.
The Bodyke Summer Gathering will be the next stop in May and in June, the Carrigaholt Dolphins and Nature Festival will have the honour. The piece won’t have to go too far when it heads to Kilrush in July for the Celebrate Scattery Island in Kilrush event and in August, the artwork will have pride of place at the Doolin Irish Craft Beer and Food Festival  and the Dan Furey Weekend, Labasheeda.
There will be plenty to shout about in September when the piece heads to Kilkishen for the Clare Shout Festival and in October, it will be back to Ennis for the Clare Harvest Banquet at the Old Ground Hotel. The Solas will be present for a celebration of the centenary of Conradh na Gaeilge, Inis in November and the final Gathering to  host the artwork will be Santa’s Workshop at Aillwee Caves in December.
Sunday’s launch was hosted by the Clare Tourism Forum and supported by Clare Local Development Company. There was also entertainment throughout the day including trad sessions, set dancing, singing sessions, face painting, Clare food sampling and a performance from Socks in the Frying Pan.
Among those attending were a number of Gathering Clare ambassadors, comprising well-known local personalities such as Munster and Ireland rugby star Marcus Horan from Clonlara, world-famous Irish traditional musician Martin Hayes from Feakle, Fair City actor Aoibhín Garrihy, whose parents are from North Clare, Kevin Crawford of Lunasa, singer Gari Deegan from Bunratty and former Bishop Emeritus, Dr Willie Walsh.
Mayor of Clare Councillor Pat Daly said, “I was delighted to see hundreds of people stream through the doors of Glór. The public were genuinely impressed by the range and scale of The Gathering festivals and events being showcased at Glór.
Furthermore, the sense of community spirit amongst exhibitors and participants bodes extremely well for the year of the Gathering here in Clare. This community spirit and willingness to become involved are traits that have helped Clare present one of the country’s most expansive and impressive Gathering calendar of events.
Commenting on yesterday’s event, Donnagh Gregson, chair of the Clare Tourism Forum, acknowledged the estimated 200 volunteers who hosted stalls to showcase their respective Gathering events as well those who helped to guide members of the public around the expo.
She said, “Sunday’s event was the perfect start to what I have no doubt will be a hugely memorable year for Clare. Every corner of the county is represented by a Gathering event, which is unique and something worth celebrating.
“I would urge people living in Clare to find out more about the events taking place during 2013 and to play their part in getting those living abroad and anyone with connections to the Banner County to consider a trip home during the next 11 months. The Clare Tourism Forum, through its extensive network of tourism operators in Clare, is committed to promoting and marketing Gathering Clare events and festivals during the year.”
For more on The Gathering Clare 2013 and the upcoming expo, visit www.clare.ie, www.facebook.com/ClareGathering2013 or www.twitter.com/ClareGathering.