Ireland’s Prime Minister Enda Kenny and the Irish government created The Gathering to invite the worldwide Irish diaspora back to Ireland throughout 2013.

Returning home to Castlebar, Kenny joined The Wild Geese Collection in support of Co. Mayo's flagship Gathering Celebration: In Humbert's Footsteps (August 15 to 18).

The idea is close to the hearts of those from The Wild Geese Collection. Its Irish Whiskey has been produced to celebrate the brave men and women who have left Ireland over the years, starting in 1691 with Patrick Sarsfield and his followers. When they left Ireland, they took the name 'The Wild Geese' in the hope and belief that they would one day return. Today, The Gathering sees the realization of that dream.

The Wild Geese first travelled to France, where many served in the military with honor.

In his commemoration speech, Kenny underlined how important history has been in shaping Ireland today, drawing on the strong Irish bond between the country and France.

Kenny met The Wild Geese company owner, Andre Levy, in a show of solidarity for this Irish identity; an identity that runs deep within The Wild Geese Collection.

The Wild Geese is an internationally acclaimed Collection of Premium Spirits and has been voted 'Best Irish Whiskey' three times. The brand sponsored the closing Victory Concert on Sunday 18th August, celebrating the Irish experience together with Wild Geese past and present.

Wherever you are in the world, if you are of Irish descent you are part of this story and entitled to call yourself Wild Geese.

For more information visit www.thewildgeesecollection.com or “Like” them on Facebook.