WELCOME / FÁILTE
Throughout 2013, Donegal will open its arms to thousands of friends and family from all over the world, calling them home to gatherings in villages and towns throughout Donegal.
The Donegal Gathering provides the perfect excuse to reach out to those who have moved away, their relatives, friends and descendants, and invite them home.
The Gathering 2013 will be a spectacular, year-long celebration of all things Irish.
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I rith 2013, cuirfidh Dún na nGall fáilte mhór chroíúil roimh na mílte cara agus teaghlach ó achan chearn den domhan, ag iarraidh orthu pilleadh chuig slógaí i sráidbhailte agus i mbailte móra ar fud Dhún na nGall.
Is deis mhaith é Slógadh Dhún na nGall le dul i dteagmháil leo siúd a d’fhág an contae, lena daoine muinteartha, lena gcairde agus le sliocht a sleachta, agus cuireadh a thabhairt dóibh teacht abhaile.
Is é a bheas i Slógadh 2013 ceiliúradh spleodrach ar feadh na bliana ar gach rud Éireannach agus Gaelach.
The Gathering Song ‘Come Gather All’ – Paul Brady and Micky Joe Harte
Paul Brady and Rory Gallagher in the recording studio
To celebrate the year of The Gathering, the Donegal Gathering and Earagail Arts Festival have teamed up to commission a new signature tune by some of Ireland’s best loved artists. This heartwarming song that will be listened to across the globe was recorded recently by Paul Brady, Mickey Joe Harte & various other Donegal artists.
‘Come Gather all’ will be preformed LIVE for the first time on Highland Radio today at 12.30 so don’t forget to tune in.
Listen here
‘Come Gather All’
Gay Byrne talks of his love for Donegal / Gaeilge
Gay Byrne-Donegal Gathering Ambassador
The ever-growing list of ambassadors for the Donegal Gathering has got a very special addition today, as Gay Byrne has vouched for the event!
Gay Byrne is a giant of Irish television and radio and has been part of the lives of Irish people for over 50 years. As presenter of the renowned Late Late Show from 1962 to 1999, Gay is one of Ireland’s most iconic pop culture figures.
He and his family have been regular visitors to Donegal for the last forty years, and Gay has been very vocal about his love for the county.
He took time from his busy schedule this week praise Donegal and remarks, “it has been always the warm welcome and kind generosity of the Donegal people that has made every visit a joy for us, just as if we were of their stock.
“And it is the kind and welcoming friends in Donegal who have made us feel at home through”.
Speaking after Gay Byrne’s announcement, Mayor of Donegal, Frank McBrearty has spoken of his “great joy that Gay Byrne has offered to support his adopted county, in becoming an Ambassador for Donegal Gathering, because when Gay speaks; people listen! He will always be made to feel at home in our county.”
Lets leave the final words to Gay when he says, “make the Year of the Gathering the year that you come and sample the joys of Donegal. I doubt that you’ll ever regret it.”
