Come all ye

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Minister of state for Tourism Micheal Ring, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, Minister for Tourism Leo Varadkar and Taoiseach, Enda Kenny with Brooke Butler, age 6, Daniel Welsh, 5, Evan McCabe, 5 and Hannah Slanley, 4 at the launch of The Gathering Ireland 2013 in Dublin Castle.[/caption]

In the movie "Field of Dreams" it was a matter of "build it and they will come." But that was Hollywood.

Back in the real world, every community in Ireland is being mobilized in an effort to attract members of the diaspora next year for a rolling event called the "The Gathering."

The question is: will the diaspora come?

The Gathering Ireland 2013 was launched last week by Taosieach Enda Kenney, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore and other top Irish pols at a roll out ceremony in Dublin Castle.

"The Gathering gives each and every one of us an opportunity to do something positive for our country in our own unique way. This initiative needs the widespread participation of communities and local organizations all across Ireland. The Gathering gives each and every one of us an opportunity to do something positive for our country in our own unique way," said Mr. Kenny.

Mr. Gilmore said that the global Irish diaspora would be crucial. '

"The Gathering aims to engage with our global diaspora, to entice them to come home in 2013 and to encourage them to extend an invitation to Ireland to others. It's not just about encouraging anyone with Irish heritage, it is also addressed to those who love or have an interest in Ireland," he said.

The Gathering is being spearheaded by tourism minister Leo Varadkar.

"Weare inviting the world to Ireland next year for this festival of festivals. It promises to be the biggest tourism initiative ever staged in Ireland. I want The Gathering to be an event that belongs to everyone in Ireland, and which everyone in Ireland feels part of," he said.

According to a release, community projects already underway include clan gatherings, genealogical projects, and an outreach initiative where local communities will contact people who have left the country. One Irish family which recently returned from the U.S. is organizing an O'Dea clan gathering for 2013.

The Gathering was launched internationally by Irish government Ministers in 27 cities over St. Patrick's weekend in March A number of well-known Irish personalities have pledged their support, including actors Pierce Brosnan, Liam Neeson, author Maeve Binchy and rugby star Paul O'Connell.

The Gathering is being seen as a potential major boost for Ireland's troubled economy. Meanwhile, North Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has said that the Scots Irish should be urged to take part. See story, Page 13.