Ireland’s tourism bosses tell Gabriel Byrne to stick to acting over The Gathering ‘scam’ comments

(I re-post here what I wrote under Paul Allen’s article on IC, which pls see for another comment re the Global Irish Economic Forum; The Gathering is not a scam as defined in dictionaries). The Gathering ‘plot’ is unique in that it invites all Irish and Irish-of whatever countries and their families, family relations, friends and neighbours to come to Ireland in 2013 to enjoy what Ireland has to offer, to celebrate being Irish, search family roots, enjoy the beauty of Ireland, its culture and arts and help the Irish economy at the same time, throughout a year-long concentrated event. The Gathering is personal-, family-, business-, Irish economy- and fun- and enjoyment-orientated, concentrated all at once to bring an upward spike in the Irish economy. There are numerous unique events being prepared here at home right now by Irish people for throughout the year 2013 throughout Ireland for the benefit and enjoyment of those who do come and visit to be part of The Gathering. Don’t miss The Gathering… be one of those who, in future years, will look back and proudly, with your regalings, say “Yes, I was there…” You’ll be forgiven for being misty-eyed as you do.

Is it a scam?its all in how you look at it ,meself thinks its unnecessary and it wont bring tourists. As joan says get some more spots for direct flights in the middle of the US and lower the prices a bit,when i first went over it was affordable (1986) Now its out of sight for air and accomodations My Grandaughter just honeymooned in Ireland and i could have bought a small auto for the same price. They loved it but for me a retiree and a dual citizen i can not afford it on a fixed income.

Probably it is a scam, though I wouldn't try to talk any American out of spending money on it. The real worry is that, like the certificate of Irish heritage, it will fail to bring in more money than Irish Tourism spends promoting it. Is it well thought out? Do the planners understand the connections (Not Just football!) that Americans have with Ireland?

Marym: "I renounced any connection to Ireland several years ago". So why are you hanging around an Irish American web site and discussion list? Do us a favor and go elsewhere.

As I said previously,is there anyone who doesn't believe that airlines,B&B's ,car rentals etc. WONT raise their prices for the gathering?

JoeByrne is lying when he says "“Irish Americans do not feel the Gathering is a scam". How the hell would he know? We most certainly do feel that it is an attempted rip-off by a greedy and poor value Irish tourism product.

I would say to Irish tourism, why don't you shake your begging bowl in Europe, we US citizens (I renounced any connection to Ireland several years ago, after listening to Bertie Ahern's despicable referring to US citizens as chattel to exploit) have no interest in subsidizing your fat backsides. Beg in Russia, beg in the Middle East, beg in Africa, beg in China, we reject Ireland and it's socialistic, whinging disease.

I would say to Irish Tourism interests that they need to do a better job promoting Ireland in areas of the United States which do not have direct access. It's fine for those areas that are hubs for flights to Ireland but for the rest of us Ireland is a dicey expenditure when we don't know what is going to happen to the US financially. Tourism interests need to get out of their comfort zones of Boston, Chicago and New York and see the southwest.