The Gathering 2013

An Coilean · 15-11-2012 11:54PM #1

What do you think of it? I thought at first it sounded like a good idea, but it seems a lot of people think its just a scam to shake down the diaspora for a few quid.

Even people who have worked among the Diaspora have come out against it.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/1105/breaking51.html

Interestingly (to me anyway) a comment on the Gathering's page on facebook slamming the campaigns complete lack of the Irish Language anywhere in it's promotion has attracted 750 likes in the past 6 hours with people labeling the whole thing as a shamefull embarrasment.

Anyway, I can't say I'm a fan of the whole thing, it probably won't bring many people here and the whole image of the thing is a bit of an embarrasment IMO.

4zn76tysfajdxp · 15-11-2012 11:57PM

An Coilean wrote: »

a comment on the Gathering's page on facebook slamming the campaigns complete lack of the Irish Language anywhere in it's promotion has attracted 750 likes in the past 6 hours with people labeling the whole thing as a shamefull embarrasment.

Anyway, I can't say I'm a fan of the whole thing, it probably won't bring many people here and the whole image of the thing is a bit of an embarrasment IMO.

Would you go far as to say a "shameful" embarrassment?

An Coilean · 15-11-2012 11:59PM

Emelia Tinkling Gymnasium wrote: »

Would you go far as to say a "shameful" embarrassment?

No, I would say its a bit thick to try and create a 'celebration of all things Irish' and forget about the Irish Language though.

donvito99 · 16-11-2012 12:01AM

Cowboys,Ted. BLOODY COWBOYS

Praetorian Saighdiuir · 16-11-2012 12:03AM

I'm 50/50 on it tbh.

At the front it seems like a world wide con job, luring the diaspora back to their native land for a sense of Irishness that they may have long forgotten. It's the Government trying to boost our economy any way it can.

Then on the other side, if it briefly reunites families, boosts the economy, promotes Ireland, and as a side effect people may keep their job or gain one....then sure why not.

Big Bottom · 16-11-2012 12:03AM

What % of the public can speak Irish anyway is it not a bit makey up to over emphasis it when all the people coming back cant even understand it?!

Fr_Dougal · 16-11-2012 12:04AM

Reminds me of passing around the basket during mass.

phasers · 16-11-2012 12:05AM

I don't get it tbh, what is it meant to do?

I got something in the post about it the other day telling me to come to Ireland.

Eh, I live in Ireland...?

gozunda · 16-11-2012 12:06AM

An Coilean wrote: »

What do you think of it? I thought at first it sounded like a good idea, but it seems a lot of people think its just a scam to shake down the diaspora for a few quid.
Even people who have worked among the Diaspora have come out against it.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/1105/breaking51.html
Interestingly (to me anyway) a comment on the Gathering's page on facebook slamming the campaigns complete lack of the Irish Language anywhere in it's promotion has attracted 750 likes in the past 6 hours with people labeling the whole thing as a shamefull embarrasment.
Anyway, I can't say I'm a fan of the whole thing, it probably won't bring many people here and the whole image of the thing is a bit of an embarrasment IMO.

Do as suggested in AH and take the Post cards originally issued to persuade the diaspora to return and hand over their cash and use them Instead to send to your local political representative to lodge a protest concerning the recent death in UCHG. I believe people are adding comments along the lines of who would want to come to this country considering how this women was treated.

Praetorian Saighdiuir · 16-11-2012 12:07AM

Fr_Dougal wrote: »

Reminds me of passing around the basket during mass.

Did you take out double what you put in too?

I hope it doesn't mirror that analogy...otherwise The Gathering 2014 will happen because not enough people contributed the first time. :pac:

admiralofthefleet · 16-11-2012 12:08AM

when's it out in the cinema?

An Coilean · 16-11-2012 12:08AM

Big Bottom wrote: »

What % of the public can speak Irish anyway is it not a bit makey up to over emphasis it when all the people coming back cant even understand it?!

Probably about 5-7%, but there are a few other factors, when a lot of the diaspora left a much bigger % spoke Irish so many in the diaspora have Gaeilge as part of their herritage, It's supposed to be a celebration of 'all things Irish', and the language is definatly part of that, and Americans love Gaelic.

Mr Whirly · 16-11-2012 12:10AM

An Coilean wrote: »

Interestingly (to me anyway) a comment on the Gathering's page on facebook slamming the campaigns complete lack of the Irish Language anywhere in it's promotion has attracted 750 likes in the past 6 hours with people labeling the whole thing as a shamefull embarrasment.

What's the point? A tiny amount of people would understand it and it would cost them lots of money.

Why don't you translate it and set up a mirror image facebook page?

Praetorian Saighdiuir · 16-11-2012 12:10AM

admiralofthefleet wrote: »

when's it out in the cinema?

It reminds me of Highlander...

...I can see Enda with a broad sword lobbing heads off people and getting ready for the gathering!

wp_rathead · 16-11-2012 12:11AM

benwavner wrote: »

I'm 50/50 on it tbh.

Me too
50% of me thinks it's bull****
50% of me thinks it's horse****

Where To · 16-11-2012 12:12AM

I think it's a great idea.

I'll think of a reason why it's a great idea later.

mariano rivera · 16-11-2012 01:38AM

What are we doing next year?

The Spread Out!

ejmaztec · 16-11-2012 01:42AM

admiralofthefleet wrote: »

when's it out in the cinema?

Straight to DVD and a daily showing on the Syfy channel.

TheUsual · 16-11-2012 01:51AM

I think they should have called it "The Herding" ... but that's just bitter old me.

Also, can someone keep an eye on the Gabriel Byrne when it starts, just lock him in the lift and turn off the power or something. Maybe out of the way with a couple of dogs to keep an eye on him.

Xavi6 · 16-11-2012 01:53AM

This has nothing to do with why I'm coming home at Christmas and I won't be attending any hippy fests organised under its banner.

Agree with Gabriel Byrne, scam.

TheUsual · 16-11-2012 01:56AM

Xavi6 wrote: »

Agree with Gabriel Byrne, scam.

^^^^^^^^^
Might have to add the "Xavi6" character to our undesirables list.
Don't want any troublemakers ruining the day (like Jedward).

09-01-2013 02:35PM

I sent the following to my local politico about the gathering:

I would like to suggest that the 1916 celebrations be pushed back to 1918 for several reasons:

Democratic action, not random violence should be celebrated. The 1918 elections, not the easter
rising should be celebrated. In light of "The Gathering" where Ireland extends a welcome to
emigrants abroad it is insulting to celebrate people such as Padraig Pearse who claimed that
emigrants were "traitors" and "fools".

"The Gathering" rings hollow while emigrants are not given voting rights.

Fromthetrees · 09-01-2013 02:47PM

I'm glad they've managed to persuade Willie Frazer and a few bus loads of supporters down from the north to Dublin to have a large gathering outside the Dail to show off to the international world our great, fun loving and warm spirited people.

It'll be a fantastic day out for all, thank you Bord Failte. :cool:

ScumLord · 09-01-2013 02:57PM

I don't understand why people have turned against this idea. Of course it's a money spinning racket. Every thing is a money spinning racket these days. The Colosseum and the pantheon are money spinning rackets. You'll be lucky to get out of Rome with the shirt on your back it's so geared towards separating people from their money.

Tourist means "foreign person spending money". They're not guests and they know it. We all know it.

As gimmicks go it's a good enough one. I don't think it's any worse than any other idea places have to get people in the door. It's a simple and concise message that there's going to be a load of people in Ireland doing Irish things and if you come here at any stage this year there will be something for you to do.

09-01-2013 03:27PM

ScumLord wrote: »

I don't understand why people have turned against this idea.

Do you not care that they tax you more to waste money?

Do you not care about corruption?

You know who is in charge on the gathering don`t you?

My name is URL · 09-01-2013 03:31PM

Deleted User wrote: »

Do you not care that they tax you more to waste money?

Do you not care about corruption?

You know who is in charge on the gathering don`t you?

The same people that are in charge of all other tourism drives?

It may be a huge money making scam, but so are many other things. If it pays off then there isn't very much to complain about really. People aren't going to be forced at knifepoint to visit the country.

ScumLord · 09-01-2013 03:34PM

Deleted User wrote: »

Do you not care that they tax you more to waste money?

Do you not care about corruption?

I have no idea what your on about there?

You know who is in charge on the gathering don`t you?

Tourism Ireland?

Lyaiera · 09-01-2013 03:39PM

wprathead wrote: »

Me too
50% of me thinks it's bull****
50% of me thinks it's horse****

It is indeed a strange aul beast.

Stab*City · 09-01-2013 03:40PM

They should just ask all the diaspora to donate to "The Cause" it sounds better than this sh@t!

Dodge · 09-01-2013 03:47PM

I can't see how its a scam.

Its, at worst, a poorly thought out plea/beg for ex-Pat Irish to spend money here.

Its not like people here invite their relations, who come home and think "hey, wait a minute, this isn't what I expected!"

There's nopthing wrong with the idea of trying to encouorage ex-pat Irish to come home for a holiday/vacation. But there's been nothing done to make the place anyway (more) attractive for them, so its really a bit pointless.

allanb49 · 09-01-2013 03:51PM

Stealth Recce wrote: »

It reminds me of Highlander...

...I can see Enda with a broad sword lobbing heads off people and getting ready for the gathering!

Dammit, thought i'd be the first, when I first heard of it I thought this is how they advertise The Prize??

Anyway my sig says It all

The Gathering 2013

Is the Gathering a Scam? 190 votes

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