Community Gathering Fund Available To Clubs

2013 is the year of the Gathering Ireland with communities all over the country now engaged in organising special events to host overseas visitors.

One of the practical ways that sports clubs can become involved in the Gathering Ireland is by inviting and hosting a team from overseas, maybe from the UK or perhaps further afield.

€;1 million has been allocated to a fund to target and support local and community events in each county. Grant amounts from €;500- €;2,500 will be made available to these events, following approval through a short application process direct to local city and county councils.

The key criterion for this fund is the ability of the proposed Gathering to attract overseas visitors to the county/locality.

For example, a club could qualify for a grant of €;1,000 if it can host an overseas team event that attracts at least 20 overseas visitors.

– The closing date for applications is Friday, November 30, 2012 at 5pm

– All applications must be directed to your local city and county council (see attached contact list) as they are administering this fund locally.

– Information is also uploaded on the Gathering Ireland website http://www.thegatheringireland.com/localcommunityfund

This is an opportunity for all clubs around the country to pitch for some financial support to invite and host a visiting team(s) from an overseas club in 2013.

It is an ideal platform to help maintain or build sustainable relationships with overseas clubs and we would strongly encourage as many clubs as possible to apply for this.

Please apply locally through your county/city council. Remember that this is a competitive process, so there may be strong competition for available funds in each city/county.