Three events that will take place in Donegal in the year of the Gathering have received funding from the IPB Gathering Ireland Fund.
These include the Dave Gallagher International Summer School in Ramelton, the Carndonagh Community School 40th Anniversary Reunion and the Welcome Back the Missionaries event which will each receive funding of €8,330.
Speaking following this announcement by Minister Michael Ring, TD on Thursday last, the Mayor of Donegal Cllr. Frank McBrearty has welcomed this funding, describing these events as among some of most ambitious flagship events to be held in Donegal during the year of the Gathering.
“Donegal is really embracing the whole concept of the Gathering with many exciting and wonderful events planned for the County in 2013. These three events which have received funding from the IPB Gathering Ireland Fund are among some of the most ambitious planned for the county.”
He added that “the community buy-in that the Gathering has achieved is remarkable with events being planned for all parts of the county. Donegal County Council is fully committed to working with communities to ensure that Donegal continues to feature strongly on the calendar of events for the Gathering 2013”.
This funding has been made available as a result of a €1m philanthropic donation by IPB Insurance. Donegal County Council administered this fund in Donegal based on agreed application criteria and a key criteria was the capacity to attract overseas visitors.
Mr. Seamus Neely, County Manager acknowledged that a large number of applications were received and that the Council will continue to provide ongoing advice and support to all groups and organisations interested in hosting a Gathering event in Donegal.
He stated that “we have an experienced and dedicated team here in the Council who are working closely with the Donegal Gathering Steering Group to support any organisation or group who is interested in hosting an event”.
He added “I am very heartened by the enthusiasm in the county for this initiative; it demonstrates that Donegal is not only a welcoming county but also a creative, innovative and resourceful county and this initiative will have many social, cultural and economic long term benefits for Donegal”.
