The Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) is offering the public a unique opportunity to be part of an exciting book it is producing to mark The Gathering.

The IHF issued a call-out to the people of Ireland –  at home and abroad - to submit photos which capture the excitement and energy of their Gathering and clan events. The best images will be included in the book, titled “The Gathering – Reflections on Ireland,” which will be a unique memento of this national celebration of Ireland, its people and our diaspora.

The photos will feature alongside thoughtful reflections on Ireland from well-known personalities, as well as stories from gathering events across Ireland. Among those contributing are Moya Doherty, Seamus Heaney, Brian O’Driscoll, Simone Rocha, Katie Taylor, Fergal Keane and Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh.

The call out was issued on the John Murray Show on RTE Radio One following an interview with cancer patient Bridget Megarry, who is contributing to the book, and Sharon Foley, CEO of the IHF.

Ms Foley said, “Our call out is an exciting opportunity for people to have photographs from their Gathering event featured in a book which we hope will be a best seller.  We are hoping to see photographs which capture the energy, creativity and fun that is out there in communities throughout the country.”

A panel of judges made up of Frank Miller, picture editor and staff photographer of The Irish Times; Sinead Murphy, Director of Photography at Griffith College Dublin; Steve Averill of AMP Visual who is internationally acclaimed for his award winning work with U2; and Sharon Foley, Chief Executive of the IHF, will select photos to be included in the book.

Photos must be from a Gathering event and capture the spirit of the Gathering. They must be digital and of high resolution. The closing date for photo entries is 7th June 2013.  For full details on how to submit photos visit www.thegatheringbook.ie.

“The Gathering – Reflections on Ireland” will be available in September 2013 and all proceeds will go to the IHF.