59 Comments

• IrelandNorth | Nov 14, 2012, 08:15 AM EST

  dia deity; god. as prep from. pór m breed. a pn their (elipse); rel pn what; who. *adj her; his ;(( aspiration); its; *conj that (relative). ie They who are a breed from God!

• esatdigiwank | Nov 13, 2012, 05:21 AM EST

  The Gathering surely a marketing scheme. And so inauthentic and phoney in itself. An Gaeilge/ our native language, taught to near death by Classical methods is conveniently put to the side. Diaspora need to take ownership of both An Cruinniú/the gathering if not the language. And more importantly, to save Ireland from itself.

• esatdigiwank | Nov 13, 2012, 05:15 AM EST

  AengusOg: Will the alcohol check points disappear or proliferate during the Gathering? They are destroying the craic and pub life" I would have thought alcohol is destroying the Irish. But keep on elbow-bending, there will soon be no public drinking water you can afford if British Gas get their claws on it..

• WoundedKnee | Nov 09, 2012, 02:41 AM EST

  Leahkinsela; People use the internet in Ireland? Wow, you don´t say. Sure and they´re mighty modhern altogether. What a stupid post you wrote.

• Will Hamilton | Nov 08, 2012, 08:59 AM EST

  The Gathering is aimed at making money from Americans who delude themselves into thinking they're actually Irish. I know dozens of people in business who are figuring out ways to get a piece of the action. It's just a marketing exercise in the same way Arthurs Day is a brand promotion. The aim of the Gathering is to increase revenue from tourism. They should call the closing ceremony the Scattering!

• Happyhippo | Nov 08, 2012, 06:51 AM EST

  @Reilleyfam,WRONG,our family were emigrants in the 1950s some to the the US,some to UK,after nearly 60 years we are still friends and visit regular with people we went to school with and and they visit the US and the UK its like a family reunion every time,so don't paint most Irish people with your negative brush,its anything but.

• Reilleyfam | Nov 07, 2012, 02:24 PM EST

  “Most (Irish)people don’t give a s... about The Diaspora except to shake them down for a few quid." TRUTH.

• leahkinsella | Nov 07, 2012, 12:44 PM EST

  Loklione: You have nor been in Ireland since 1976? That's twenty six years ago! Ireland and it's people have changed so dramatically since then so it's time you came back even for a short visit to see the changes. You'll be surprised! Dublin is no longer "dirty" but a modern city. People use the internet, kindles, apps, skype, are highly educated, well travelled. The Catholic Church has no longer the power it used to have and most people think for themselves but until you come back and see for yourself, you will never know what you are missing. You'll be SURPRISED!. I have always adored, even fancied Gabriel Byrne, but he has turned into a grumpy old man lately.

• johnshiel | Nov 07, 2012, 10:28 AM EST

  these actors... pretty faces, empty heads...

• cillowen | Nov 07, 2012, 10:25 AM EST

  quisling leader lol sharks of dev and nigh all tripes playing poor souls like fiddles. Pennies for africans and constancy of concern for nigh all but self. Divided - divide and cpnquor still working to perfection - queenie needs to arrive for the gathering. Shame, acting out in mad drunken rage in lands where they happen upon. Been there.

• IrelandNorth | Nov 07, 2012, 08:20 AM EST

  There may be a miniscule minority of adolescent Irish who from existential ignorance laugh at what they in their immaturity perceive as uncool heritage. But then, all teenagers everywhere consider their parents and grandparents square. Anyone under 40 in contemporary today is histoically amnesiac and politically illiterate through revisionist education and propagandistic media.

• kinvara7 | Nov 07, 2012, 07:31 AM EST

  The Irish Diaspora needs to stop feeling so put upon and it needs to organize and to communicate a vision of a mature and beneficial relationship. It needs to have a good look at itself, and ask what it really wants, and whether it is willing to contribute in a real way. This idea of the relationship being a ‘shake-down’ needs to be examined. The people that visit do so because they want to. They have to expect to pay for that experience, just as I did when I travelled to America. Sadly, for some people within the Diaspora, tourism to Ireland must forever be seen as an act of benign charity…one which demands some sort of extra consideration, and I believe that this is a bad message for ‘Diaspora leaders’ to send out.

• kinvara7 | Nov 07, 2012, 06:59 AM EST

  I can understand where Gabriel is coming from but in general I disagree with the tone of his comments. Around the time of the Notre Dame v Navy Game in Dublin (Go Irish!) there was a big influx of American tourists, and this was very welcome. However, I was struck by the amount of times I heard such comments as: “This is our first time in Ireland; we’ve always wanted to come” etc. Now, these were the words of affluent people in their fifties, the type who Gabriel and others talk about as having a ‘very powerful spiritual connection to the Island of Ireland.’ I’ve been to America a number of times; I’ve done the tourist stuff, and paid for it; spent my money in shops etc., etc. I love America. I don’t profess to have a ‘deep spiritual connection’ with the place, yet I have been there more often than the above mentioned have visited Ireland –How is that? How could they have such a deep connection, yet go over fifty years without visiting -only to be brought over by a well marketed football game? Now, some of you will say that those people will be back again, and maybe they will, but it seems like they took their time in deciding to visit and it seems a well marketed event gave them the push.

• kinvara7 | Nov 07, 2012, 06:24 AM EST

  @MK: The President of Ireland recently visited a number of countries in South America and met with people from the Irish Diaspora. Speaking at the Fahy club in Buenos Aires President Higgins said: "Este Club constituye una pequeña parte de Irlanda en Argentina y me siento particularmente honrado de ser el primer Presidente de Irlanda en visitarlo. Mucho agradezco vuestra invitación y, a la recíproca, les hago llegar una invitación a ustedes, sus familiares y amigos para que participen del Encuentro en Irlanda en el año 2013."

• Mk | Nov 07, 2012, 12:20 AM EST

  This gathering seems to be aimed at English speaking of Irish descent. I imagine that those of Irish descent in areas such as South America must feel out of it. At Australia's bi centenery in 1988 there were a number of tall ships from around the world in Sydney & the skipper of the Chilean ship was named Roberto Kelly. Surprised at this I found there are quite a few of Irish descent in that continent. I think there are quite a few of Irish descent in most area of the world even in the West Indies where many Irish were sent into slavery in the seventeenth century under Oliver Cromwell.

• TayandCake | Nov 06, 2012, 10:08 PM EST

  We have to make do folks, too much negativity around

• DowneyPerfectio | Nov 06, 2012, 09:21 PM EST

  I think Gabriel Byrne is right on all accounts! Every issue Gabriel spoke on and about on The Last Word. I don't have but a quarter Irish in me-I'm American all the way...but The Gathering is indeed being marketed as much more of a "tourist" or "media" frenzy attraction-and most of you should know that like most other governments...people Irish or American-besides the reunions/friendships made for a lifetime will never see the $...because governments no matter who you are poor or rich the governments are all greedy...and Gabriel is right...voting counts no matter where you are mean a lot-and he was right when he touched on the fact that we put so much thought to how 'perfect' a certain or certain politicians as "the one" when they never will because we are all humans and we all make mistakes. I even loved how Gabriel spoke up about how much we rely on technology too much...and again, yes I loved what Gabriel said-he was much too right on everything and what's more...the passion and drive he has....about his ideas and how FOR THE PEOPLE he is!

• AengusOg | Nov 06, 2012, 08:46 PM EST

  @CitizenWhy -Right on. - Will the alcohol check points disappear or proliferate during the Gathering? They are destroying the craic and pub life. As for Gabriel Byrne's comments, they sound like sour grapes.

• misneac | Nov 06, 2012, 08:28 PM EST

  Who made this B-------s an Ambassodor for Ireland ! I have a major problem to resolve in my life .Why are gobshites like Geldof .Bono ,Byrne etc. considered important ? These people can hardly bloody well write their names ,bawling in to a microphone ,and intelligent people are supposed to applaud them as "leaders of our society " . THE WORLD IS MAD TO TOLERATE THEIR STUPID EGOS !

• Happyhippo | Nov 06, 2012, 07:08 PM EST

  God bless Ireland and the United States of America,with or without Gabriel Byrne.

• Murph46 | Nov 06, 2012, 07:06 PM EST

  I agree with the shaken down note,that's why I just returned from Ireland and NI,rather than go next year and get gouged.Our Irish Cousins would do well to remember America is in midst of a recession which will probably deepen if O'Bummer is reelected.

• stephenhession | Nov 06, 2012, 06:21 PM EST

  Part of Gabriel Byrne comments are true, part of the comments left by readers are also true, of course the goverment are hoping for a big intake of tourism money, why not, we need it and also the state is for once putting money where its mouth is.Of course there will always be a few out to make a quick Euro, I for one have organised a gathering. One of the Hession Clan, it will cost me money to organise,I don,t care, I won,t want anything in return, but hope to re-unite some of Hessions of the world and all who will attend will make new friends and gain new distant relations, If I achive this then as an Irishman and a Hession. I can feel proud to be part of what was once a great nation and can be again.

• johnshiel | Nov 06, 2012, 06:17 PM EST

  this Byrne guy has a confidence in his own judgement and relevance that is baffling; even humorous...

• molliepmac | Nov 06, 2012, 03:55 PM EST

  WoundedKnee I think Nicoletta means she would be called 'plastic' in Ireland ? As for the Poles Indians Nigerians - they are 'THE NEW IRISH' dont ya know? RTE have done programmes about them using that title. By that reasoning the Irish now landing in London Birmingham and Manchester looking for work are 'THE NEW ENGLISH'. How does that go down in the republic? With regard to The Gathering - value for money goes beyond not getting ripped off in hotels and shops it should mean not getting ripped off culturally. that is no more destruction of heritage sites/ M3 at Tara/ Moore Street Dublin etc. If the 'Irish' at 'home' valued our heritage as much as the diaspora do we would have so much more in common.

• richard cahill | Nov 06, 2012, 03:29 PM EST

  I'm at a loss to understand Gabriel's motivation. However perhaps it's not all bad. This country's ordinary people have been asked at home to be "patriotic", wear the "Green Jersey" and put up with the massive destruction of the Irish economy. Put up with bankers' pensions in the region of 500k to a million paid for out of taxpayers' money AFTER the government bailout. There is no mention of the word "treason" being attributed to the bankers or their collaborators. So Gabriel may have reason for his outburst. Many may agree with him on both sides of the Atlantic. However set this all aside and consider the possibility that there are many here in Ireland who invite Americans to visit here in 2013 for the best of reasons including to help the LOCAL economy. There is a large American sector currently helping us to stay afloat in IT.Don't worry about the government they won't be visible as usual [though it might be a good idea to leave the camera at home in case they hear about it and instinctively jump into your pictures. So come on over in 2013. I'm sorry there seems to be no subsidised air farea?? Gabriel might be right???

• MarybethC.P. | Nov 06, 2012, 03:06 PM EST

  I can't imagine Gabriel Byrne's motivation for trashing The Gathering 2013. I only wish Ireland's government and tourism boards would have such marketing and public relations pushes year in and year out, together with the push for Aer Lingus flights from more American cities! Nothing wrong with visiting Ireland at any time, in any year, whether or not one has roots there. I've been going to Ireland 40 years, and now have a home in Co. Mayo. As much as I have seen of this exquisite land, so full of history, culture and impossible beauty, I never tire of it! It takes my breath away every time I go - as often as 4 X yearly now! And I am very happy to spend my Yankee dollars there, to help this little country smaller than West Virginia, but so full of leaders and scrappy people, who'd take the shirts off their backs to give you if you need those!

• richard cahill | Nov 06, 2012, 02:54 PM EST

  Irish mericans know they are americans and are generally proud of that fact. The word "Irish" in this context is an adjetive which carries an inbuilt meaning - - a recognition, and hopefully a pride in that part of their ethnic heritage.

• EamonnDublin | Nov 06, 2012, 02:40 PM EST

  My God, There are some nutters on here. Éamonn, Dublin.

• Gaelicpiper | Nov 06, 2012, 02:31 PM EST

  The Gathering is a commercial enterprise based on a real human emotion- to visit home; a return to, perhaps, a tribal beginning. Is that a bad thing? There is no equivilent for those of European descent in the America. In America, here there is a constant drive to destroy what is American and replace it with multiculturalism. I went to Scotland in 09 to participate in that home coming. My ancestors all left what is now Northern Ireland; some were Scots fleeing from the English. Some were Irish fleeing the English. In 09, I went to Scotland for the Homecoming and Gathering of the Clans. The event was very positive for the visitors; however, those Scots,whom had no clan attachment, did nothing but belittle the event. After it was over, much fingerpointing and complaining errupted. With time, and proper analysis, it was determined that it was an ecconomic success. Now, another event is being put on in 2014. I, for one will not go to the 2014 event at Stirling; I plan to go to Ireland in 2013. That is, if those who are predisposed to complain, do not poison the water.

• WoundedKnee | Nov 06, 2012, 02:14 PM EST

  This Gathering is very discriminatory. How are all the hundreds of thousands of Poles, Russians, Indians, Chinese, Nigerians etc in Ireland to feel? They'll be made to feel they are just foreign settlers who don't belong and have no roots in the country. That's so unfair, Irish! These people are the future of Ireland, the Gathering is living in the past! The future of Ireland is not Irish, it's multiracial.

• WoundedKnee | Nov 06, 2012, 02:10 PM EST

  Nicoletta: Your remark just shows your ignorance. When Americans say they are "Irish", they are saying they are Irish-Americans. Because--guess what--Americans KNOW they are Americans!!! Similarly, an American who tells you he is "Italian" is NOT (write this out 100 times) telling you he was born in Italy. He KNOWS he's an American, it's not a distinguishing feature, and it is redundant to say it. If Irish such as you used a few brain cells you'd realize that Americans are quite aware of their own nationality, no need for you to worry your empty little heads about it.

• EamonnDublin | Nov 06, 2012, 01:58 PM EST

  Any American visitor I meet here in Dublin is having a really good time. They love the homeliness, the friendliness, the sense of humour, just the sense of being in Ireland. For my part, I am looking forward to visiting my second most loved country, the United States, again next Spring. After my holiday there, I will settle back happily into Ireland for another year - just as our American visitors will be glad to settle back into their own homes. I love the Americans, of all persuasions, and I know they love us. Nice, warm, happy glows all around. Thank God. Éamonn, Dublin.

• CitizenWhy | Nov 06, 2012, 01:54 PM EST

  I am of two minds about the Gathering. It certainly is a marketing scheme, but is that automatically bad? I suspect that it will have no appeal to someone like me, of Irish parentage or with known family still in Ireland. But I realize that it has appeal - legitimate appeal - to those of more remote Irish ancestry. And if some who attend the gathering are "gullible," what's the harm?

• lokionline | Nov 06, 2012, 01:33 PM EST

  For what it's worth. I emigrated to Canada from Dublin in 1974. I was happy to get out of a Dublin which was still living 50 years in the past at that time. I have been back to Ireland exactly once, in 1976. Part of why I have not gone back is that my 1976visit did not give me any "warm fuzzy" feelings at all. Communication with friends and relatives still in Ireland has not changed that impression. You might argue that I must not be a very nice person and that is why I get negative feedback from folks "back home". Perhaps this is so... but I have no problem getting along with folks here in Vancouver. I have been giving a lot of thought recently to another visit to see if I have any connection at all left with dirty Dublin. I had been planning to do this next year - 2013 then I heard about this "Gathering" business. I know that the Dubliners of my youth - including myself, would be highly cynical about such a "marketing and money spinning" operation. I can see the "boys" (I would have been one of them) calculating how they will take advantage of this influx of marks. I for one will be avoiding this "Gathering".

• dunmanway8 | Nov 06, 2012, 12:43 PM EST

  Gabriel is a nasty man who only pretends to be happy that he's Irish when it suits him. Try speaking Irish to him and see his reaction. That was real fun when I met him.

• navilenn65 | Nov 06, 2012, 11:59 AM EST

  Something more substantive for we of Irish birth and the diaspora would be the franchise.

• Tooreenagrena | Nov 06, 2012, 11:09 AM EST

  Gabriel is quite right. This is a money making racket just like that silly Irish certificate. Irish people in certain parts of the country (Dublin especially but not exclisively) are forever putting down those of us of Irish descent by using the term plastic. I have experienced it many times. The fact that only lip service is paid to those born abroad is all the proof you need.

• bobby | Nov 06, 2012, 10:59 AM EST

  gobdawpaddy, Ireland gets just under 7 million tourists a year, most from the UK. The Gathering will bring they say an extra 300,000. Ireland is a great country and the people are so friendly. Ireland is a highly educated country. Canada and Australia are recruiting thousands from Ireland. You say (Irish hospitality industry needs to start providing value for money)prices in Ireland has come down alot in the last 3 years. Hotels prices are one of the lowest in Europe.

• dermotryan | Nov 06, 2012, 10:48 AM EST

  What rubbish from Gabriel Byrne. He should come to Ireland and see how well U.S. tourists are received as in my own town of Kinsale where they can see and enjoy the heritage and the history and make connections with their past. I spend over an hour every day with the thousands of visitors who visit Kinsale every year, showing them the town and I have never hear any of them say they were disappointed or "shaken down" Shame on you Gabriel Byrne for being so negative, What did you actually do as our Cultural Ambassador ? I challenge you to take our Kinsale Heritage Town Walk, and we wont even charge you the almost nominal cost of five euro to show you what Ireland is really all about!

• gobdawpaddy | Nov 06, 2012, 10:45 AM EST

  Having encountered the man on a number of occasions I can't abide the man, but Gabriel Byrne is correct this time. As I observed in a previous discussion on this topic, I think 'The Gathering' was a great idea. Upon reflection however, being a regular visitor to Ireland, I realized that people in the hospitality industry there, hotels, car rental companies, restaurants etc. etc. would use it as 'a shake down' of the Irish diaspora. Taoiseach Enda Kenny alluded to this prospect only a week ago. I wish Enda, Gabriel and myself were wrong, even if Enda is adopting a different attitude today in light of Mr Byrne's contribution. Much lip service is paid to 'the diaspora' (and they want to help) but as an Irish born managing director at Goldman observed about a week ago, 'the Irish refuse to learn'. Many Irish people have emigrated to the United States, Australia, the UK etc. and have developed skill sets, garnering tremendous experience. They could be of great assistance to Ireland in its recovery but the Irish won't listen and advice is often resented (oh here comes the yank, or the Brit or the Aussy who thinks he/she knows it all). The Irish hospitality industry needs to start providing value for money in an effort to develop 'return business' and not attempt to make the decade's revenue during an a single event like 'The Gathering'.

• jamieLM | Nov 06, 2012, 10:41 AM EST

  When Americans describe themselves as being "100% Irish," it's shorthand for saying I have Irish paternal and maternal ancestors. They know they're Americans. In the U.S., if someone says, "I'm Irish," we understand the person is an AMERICAN describing ancestry. But when someone says that in Ireland, it's often misunderstood as a claim to Irish citizenship by birth/culture. It's not. BTW: I rather doubt the Irish, who aren't directly involved in tourism, genuinely care one twit about Americans coming in 2013 and that's one reason why my husband and I won't be coming. I sincerely wish a good time to those who choose to go.

• Joe Kelsall | Nov 06, 2012, 10:39 AM EST

  Frosty38; Burbberry has a massive export trade to the USA AND Japan. I say this as another thick diaspora Paddy who spent his early childhood in Killarney. For people trying to find their roots, Ireland is great. Small community Registry offices with helpful staff. County Kerry is a very beautiful, and its golf and fishing facilities are fantastic. DON'T PEE on peoples'dreams.

• bobby | Nov 06, 2012, 10:38 AM EST

  Frosty38, go to The General Register Office maintains a genealogical/family history research facility at 3rd Floor, Block 7, Irish Life Centre, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1. The Research facility is open Monday to Friday, (excluding public holidays) from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. for the purpose of searching indexes to birth, death and marriage records and for obtaining photocopies of records identified from the indexes.

• DrTrelawney | Nov 06, 2012, 10:37 AM EST

  To whom are you talking, Frosty? This reads like a strange rant into the void.

• greensod | Nov 06, 2012, 10:31 AM EST

  Well said Gabriel and how true.Only the right to VOTE will show any respect for the diaspora.No VOTE no Money.

• MacConDubh | Nov 06, 2012, 10:28 AM EST

  Mocking tourists certainly isn't exclusive to the Irish laughing at visiting Americans. It's a bit of an international sport. I've seen bumper stickers in the ski town in Utah where my sister lives that say "Why do they call it Tourist Season if we can't shoot them?" Whether The Gathering succeeds or not, it would be foolish for the government not to attempt to monetize the connection that people of Irish descent worldwide feel for Ireland. It may or may not be tasteful, but desperate times...

• Frosty38 | Nov 06, 2012, 10:24 AM EST

  Do you know even what you are talking about,? Are you even Irish to be posting here, you sound like you are English . They bring a lot to the US . a lot come into Boston . I can't wait we are really helping we are on a Ireland Owned Tour Company CIE which i'm an seller of it and took the Ireland Specialist Course. Passed. I have been trying to get my Duel but can't find my grand mom birth certificate

• bobby | Nov 06, 2012, 10:21 AM EST

  @Dr Trelawney of course they are going to say that, they want to attract as many people as possible, but the main aim here is Irish people, they are more likely to attract people of Irish decent from all over the world. And if they want to bring their friends along im sure they will be very welcome.

• bunkerisland | Nov 06, 2012, 10:19 AM EST

  Haven taken more than ten journeys to Ireland while staying 4-6 weeks on each venture I have only experienced cordial treatment, enthusiastic and engaging conversations and more courtesy than I ever encountered in the States, Enda aside.

• MichaelJTully | Nov 06, 2012, 10:17 AM EST

  It is good to see someone speaking up about the sham gathering. How many young people will be able to afford to come here, in the first place, and then be able to get back to the US. Or is this a scam to get retired people to come over here to fleece them. Maybe it will go like the 5 point plan.

• bobby | Nov 06, 2012, 10:13 AM EST

  My comment below for some reason went under the name Frosty38 | Nov 06, 2012, 09:38 AM EST......Nicoletta they would not call you plastic Paddy, if you were born in the U.S you would be Irish American. I have a friend born in N.Y to both Irish born parents she is Irish American and proud. She applied for an Irish passport and got one, she has dual citizenship. She studies at Trinity college Dublin and she gets a fantastic discount on her college fees compared to what she would pay in the states. Many many American people study in Ireland and love it. Nothing Plastic about them, just proud Irish Americans.

• JHShanahan | Nov 06, 2012, 10:11 AM EST

  Gabriel Byrne is very much in need of an enema...

• DrTrelawney | Nov 06, 2012, 10:08 AM EST

  Spot on in every respect. Well said, Gabriel. Everything about The Gathering reeks of a vulgar scam. The Burberry thing was hilarious. Since it became a trendy brand this happens less, but I remember -- at about the time Gabriel is recalling -- every American tourist wore Burberry whenever they stepped overseas. It was particularly funny in London. I assume they felt they would blend in. In fact, they would generally be the only people on Oxford Street so attired. What's so depressing about campaigns like The Gathering is this notion that people will come to Ireland because they are told to. Why should you go next year rather than now? Think for your bloody self. Also, Bobby suggests that The Gathering is "for Irish people all over the world". In fact the organisers have done their best to stress that its is not just for people of Irish descent. Which is nice. But it makes the campaign all the more nebulous and confusing.

• EamonnDublin | Nov 06, 2012, 10:06 AM EST

  Why do actors and pop"stars" get so much publicity as soon as they open their gobs to pontificate on subjects of which they know little or nothing? We recently had a singer character called "Bono" in a thirty minute verbal interaction with our dead sheep Irish leader, (affectionately named "Enda"), to "discuss Affairs of State". AFFAIRS OF STATE!!!! My seven year old granddaughter can act the maggot, and she can also sing a mean song, but she doesn't have the faintest idea how to run the country. Mind you, on second thoughts ....... Enda???..... what the hell would HE know either? Roll over Beethoven!! Come up and See Me Sometime! (With apologies to The Beatles and Mae West.) Éamonn, Dublin.

• Nicoletta | Nov 06, 2012, 09:51 AM EST

  Sadly, I think Gabriel Byrne is right. I can't get over the number of Americans who describe themselves as 100% Irish - even though both my parents came from Ireland I know I'd be laughed at in Ireland if I ever claimed this. Plastic Paddy, I think is what they'd say.

• Frosty38 | Nov 06, 2012, 09:50 AM EST

  This is bad for him to talk like that. Burberry would not be Americans it would be English we here in the states do not wear that brand. I have to say I'm booked for the Gathering and hey if it will help the economy, why not. They do a lot when they come here to cruise and snowbird in Fl. So he needs to get a life

• Frosty38 | Nov 06, 2012, 09:38 AM EST

  I have never heard Irish people laugh at American tourists, he remembers growing up in Ireland in the 50s and those people in Burberry coats would be laughed at, what a stupid statement. Those people in Burberry coats were more likely to be British Gabriel..... Silly man. I am visiting Ireland in 2 weeks and i will visit again in 2013 as i love the country & Dublin. The Gathering is for Irish people all over the world, not just the U.S also the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany....... When he says he feels the Diaspora link was broken, id say he is talking about himself. He is turning into a Bitter old man, I wish him the very best of luck....He sounds like he needs it.

• LiamScanlan | Nov 06, 2012, 09:26 AM EST

  Yeah, i think it is a cheesy marketing scam of the used car variety. No one needs an invitation to travel to a country and spend money.

• WoundedKnee | Nov 06, 2012, 08:27 AM EST

  Many Irish think we Irish Americans are fools, though judging by the mess they have made of Ireland I don`t think the Irish are in any position to look down on anyone else. In fact, while I disagree with posters here on many issues, the near universal cynicism about the Gathering scam expressed by posters here shows that the Irish are being very stupid indeed in taking Irish American dollars for granted.