Gabriel Byrne to boycott Varadkar's Ma in protest over Gathering

V for Vendetta Varadkar

A transatlantic storm is brewing as the feud between Gabriel Byrne and Leo Varadkar escalated today. In response to Varadkar's comments describing him as "cynical" and "popular with women of a certain age" Mr. Byrne has announced that he will be boycotting Mr. Varadkar's mother with immediate effect. 

This comes despite Mrs. Varadkar fitting the profile of Byrne's romantic interests."I could have her anytime, any place. I'm her type. She adores me. But until she learns to control that son of hers she's barking up the wrong tree," said Byrne. Mr. Varadkar is said to be considering his position but is rumoured to have contacted the Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte, with a view to banning the broadcast of Mr. Byrne's image within the Republic. Mrs. Varadkar is said to be devastated by the rift.

Ryan - "I have no father."

In related news, former Minister Eamon Ryan today denied accusations that he is one of Gabriel Byrne's many lovechildren. The rumours surfaced as a new investigation into the awarding of the role of cultural ambassador to Mr. Byrne uncovered new evidence linking the two men. The results of a paternity test are expected to be released in the coming weeks. 

Here's an idea...

The Gathering Passport

We've come up with an idea that we think would incentivise foreign tourists to come to Ireland next year and makes The Gathering seem less like an overt rip-off. It's...The Gathering Passport.

What is it? It's essentially a loyalty card for anyone coming from abroad to take part in The Gathering 2013. 

What are the benefits? Let's start with:

• 25% (50% for groups of 6+) off entry to any state-run tourist site. (This is up for debate; an argument could be made that it should be free entry)
• Minimum 10% (up for debate) discount on payments & purchases in participating hotels, B&Bs, bars, restaurants etc.
• Discounts on public transport
• (We're open to further suggestions, please leave them in the comments section below!)

Who can apply? Anyone with an address outside of Ireland that's coming here between 1/1/13 & 31/12/13.

How to apply? Fill out a simple web form on The Gathering website: Name, address, phone no., dates of travel, specific Gathering you're attending (optional).

What does it cost? Potentially it's free. Perhaps a small fee (€5 max.) to cover printing, admin & postage costs would be acceptable.

How does it work? Present your Gathering Passport when paying in a participating venue to claim the relevant discount and get a unique stamp on your Gathering Passport at each venue (See below). The passport might have a unique number or barcode on the front which could be quoted for internet purchases such as booking accommodation in advance.

How do businesses take part? They apply online to become a participating Gathering Passport venue. After verification that they are a legit business they receive branding to mark themselves as accepting the Passport: e.g. window sticker, flying banner, web banners etc. Venues also receive a unique rubber stamp that they would use to stamp the Gathering Passports of customers.

How the stamp & window sticker might look

That's it! What do you think? Comment freely below.

If you like the idea SHARE IT! Tweet it, Like it, get it out there. 

The Gathering Song

@anniewestdotcom & @BrianNolan1974 alerted us to Clare County Council's tender for a Gathering 2013 song. Application deadline is 16/11/12 so get writing! It can only end one way...

The Gathering - Homeward Bound

As hard as we tried we found it difficult to be cynical about the recent Gathering documentaries on RTE. We think they send out the right message about The Gathering and are well worth the watch. Here's a snippet:

Three of the documentaries are still available on the RTE Player:
http://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/10071266/

Leo defends The Gathering...sort of.

Just don't mention money or the economy in the same sentence as The Gathering, ok Leo?

You'll miss them when you're gone...

Come gather round people...

From @anniewestdotcom
http://www.anniewest.com

Let The Exodus Campaign Begin...

Govt Launches The Exodus Ireland 2013

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny today launched a new national emigration initiative that will run in tandem with The Gathering Ireland 2013. The scheme aims to help young Irish people to leave the country in the hope of finding a brighter future abroad. 

A new dedicated semi-state agency, Exodus Ireland, will be created to coordinate and assist the emigration of Ireland's youth. The new agency will replace FÁS, the national training and employment authority, as the government changes its approach to tackling the unemployment crisis from one of creating jobs to one of eradicating the unemployed.

Exodus Ireland will organise emigration workshops in communities all over the country in 2013 as part of the initiative. These workshops aim to speed up the emigration process for the unemployed by providing references, documentation and small, high-interest loans to help emigrants get out of Ireland faster and sooner. A nationwide information campaign will also provide hints and tips for emigrants through various social media including an Exodus Ireland Blog, Facebook page and Twitter feed. The Taoiseach expects many benefits to the scheme, which he outlined at the launch:

"I believe the young people of Ireland are tired of being a burden on their parents, loved ones, and the State. They want to move on, to prosper, to ease the burden on their beloved country. To this end the government has developed the Exodus Ireland programme which will help the youth of this country to help themselves. The scheme will have two major benefits; the first will be to dramatically decrease unemployment in Ireland which will have many knock-on effects such as easing the pressure on the social welfare and public health systems.

The second major benefit will become apparent in the long term, and this is where the Exodus Ireland initiative ties in with the Gathering Ireland tourism programme. We see emigration not as a short-term loss but as a long-term investment in Ireland's tourism industry. The new generation of Irish that we are sending out into the world will join and expand the existing diaspora, thereby increasing the pool of tourists that we can draw upon for future Gatherings in 2018, 2023 and beyond."

The Taoiseach also announced that along with government financing the scheme will also have a number of corporate sponsors including Etihad Airways, Skype and Barry's Tea. A nationwide billboard campaign will also get underway in the coming weeks.

The Foraging @ The Movies

Skyfall - We believed the hype. We believed wrongly.