Ten Gathering events in Athlone granted funding

Ten events in Athlone and surrounding areas have been named as beneficiaries of the €2 million Gathering Ireland Fund. The gatherings, divided into key county flagship events and community gatherings are funded as a result of a €1 million philanthropic donation by IPB Insurance, which was matched by the Gathering Ireland in response to the enormous interest expressed nationwide in the tourism initiative. Three flagship events in Westmeath receive a total funding of €25,000 as part of the project, those being the Festival of the Fires on the Hill of Uisneach on May 5 and 6. The Joe Dolan International Westmeath Bachelor Festival in Mullingar on August 2 to 4 and the Pan European GAA Championships in Athlone, taking place over the weekend of October 18 and 19, which could see 30 plus GAA teams from all over Europe converging on the town for competitions in hurling and football. The council has declined to give the exact amount of funding given to each organisation. Meanwhile, nine local community groups will receive between €500 and €2,500 for events held to coincide with The Gathering initiative during 2013. These include the Ravens Marching Band, who will hold a music and cultural gathering on March 13, St Kieran's Community Centre, who have earmarked July 6 for their Gathering celebration and a McCormack family gathering is set for Athlone on August 24 and 25. Another local beneficiary is the Okinawa meets Ireland event organised by St Mary's karate club, based in St Mary's Hall, Northgate Street. Instructor Sinead Crowe O'Connor told the Westmeath Independent they are delighted to receive monies for their gathering which will see up to 100 practitioners of Okinawa karate converge on Athlone from the US, England, Romania and Okinawa, an island off Japan in May. She explained that the event will give club members a chance of a lifetime to learn the self defence oriented style of karate from top class practitioners from all over the world. "It means instead of us having to travel, we are going to have an opportunity to learn and promote Okinawa karate right here in Athlone," she enthused of the event, taking place over six days from May 21 to 27. Westmeath County Manager Danny McLoughlin said he is delighted on behalf of the Westmeath Local Authorities to have a supporting role in The Gathering 2013 initiative. Speaking at the official launch of The Gathering last week, he said all of the events will happen primarily because of the extraordinary local community effort and backing for The Gathering initiative, which together with the funding and corporate support promises positive outcomes for everyone. "The flagship events are going to be the highlights in what is a compelling Westmeath calendar of events and no doubt there will be a special Westmeath welcome afforded to all visitors to the county in the year ahead communities through this fantastic initiative." Westmeath Gathering co-ordinator Maurice Stenson gave a presentation on the events planned throughout the county for the year to Athlone Town Council on Monday. "Westmeath is playing its part and won't be found wanting," he said. Cllr Alan Shaw complimented Maurice Stenson on his presentation and on the leadership he has shown at county level. He said he was present at the launch last week, which was a spectacular event. "It's going to be very exciting year. The challenge is for every individual to have their own gathering, for everyone to invite family home," said Cllr Shaw, adding that he is really looking forward to the Pan European GAA event. Cllr Kieran Molloy thanked Mr Stenson and said it was the first real picture he had got of what was happening. He asked how he would find out what events were happening in Athlone and Mr Stenson said they were all listed on the website. Cllr Molloy then asked if they would be in the local papers and Mr Stenson said the information had been issued to the press. Cllr Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said it was a great thing for Ireland and a great thing in general. He said he was delighted to have the Pan European GAA Championship in Athlone. Mayor Jim Henson congratulated Mr Stenson on his presentation and said now that Athlone was the European Town of Sport he hoped this information would be linked up with www.athlone.ie