Heritage Events Archive

All are welcome- Special 'Gathering 2013' Event

Celebrating diversity in Athy will be marking its seventh (7) year in 2013 and has been proudly supported by Kildare Local Authorities since inception.

Celebrating diversity aims to highlight and appreciate the many positive contributions diverse people in Athy & environs, make and continue to make to promote positive integration for the common good. It is important to celebrate as it is a way of acknowledging the many positive contributions the Irish made in countries / continents were they emigrated to in earlier years.

 

It does this through various ways examples include special workshops, music, dance, displays, games, publications and great food. For this celebration to make any sense, it provides a safe space, for the diverse peoples’ of Athy & environs (settled, travelling & new communities) to social network, participate in social inclusion activities, promote good community spirit and collectively celebrate in a relaxed/social setting and supported by all (those who attended past celebrations were delighted because they enjoyed the event and for actively participating). 2013 gathering event promises to be even more exciting.

 

This is because 2013 event is planned to be more elaborate spanning over two days (Tuesday, 7^th & Wednesday, 8^th  May). This will offer additional opportunities to learn new skill sets by doing e.g jewellery making, crocheting, baking, horse riding etc. In a fun filled way. There will also be great music, dances from all over the world and international food / craft exhibition.

 

This two days event is open to all especially fun loving, adventurous individuals & families as there is something for everyone (toddlers, young children, teenagers & adults). We will be especially welcoming participants from overseas. These are made up of families, friends, networking partners, friends of Ireland and you, from different parts of Europe, Canada, America and Africa. We will hold a night out event on Monday 6th may in the acclaimed Clancy’s pub, Athy. As it is the norm in Clancy’s, there will be traditional Irish music; finger foods & drinks will be served from 7pm until late. All are encouraged to come for a bit of craic and to hook up with friends & families

 

Draft programme of events for 7^th celebrating diversity the gathering special event, Tuesday, 7^th- Wednesday, 8^th May, 2013

 

Tuesday, 7^th May, 2013

10 30hrs- registration of participants, tea/coffee

11 00hrs- welcome remarks /acknowledgement of special guest speaker & guest speakers by Linda Mulhall chairperson, WIN, Athy

11 10hrs- special guest speaker’s speech:

11 20hrs- the history of Athy / why the gathering? (tbc)

11 30hrs-the common good project

11 40hrs- music by winning kids

11 45hrs- empowerment for economic independence (tbc)

11 55hrs- games

12 30hrs-guest speaker’s speech (tbc)

13 00hrs the web (by all participants)

13 30hrs- lunch/networking

14 30hrs- end with 15minutes canal walk

 

Wednesday, 8^th may, 2013

09 40hrs- registration of participants

10 00hrs- horse riding outskirts of Athy

11 00hrs- tea break

11 30hrs- set up for exhibition (crafts & foods from around the world)

12 30hrs- welcome remarks by Linda Mulhall chairperson, WIN, Athy

12 40hrs- special guest declares workshop and exhibitions open

12 50hrs- jewellery making, crocheting, baking workshops  

13 50hrs- lunch from food exhibition

14 30hrs- dance, music, games

15 00hrs- end

 

We are asking our overseas guests some of whom will be coming to Ireland for the first time, to take the opportunity of being here for celebrating diversity to attend first holy communions in May. To facilitate this, we are extending special open invitations to a communion event 'as Gaeilge' on Saturday, 11th May, 2013 in St. Michael's Parish, Athy.

 

• Did you know that Athy is c. 90 mins from Dublin airport?
  
• Easily accessible- By road via new M9 Link Road/ Irish Rail - Athy station or  Bus Eireann & JJ.Kavanagh have direct buses to & from Dublin airport?
• Did you know that Athy is one of the few towns with both a river and a canal? 
• Did you also know that the white castle is located in Athy?
• Did you know that there is open market in Athy every Tuesday where bargains are made on everyday & special stuff?
• Also that the famous Antartic explorer, Ernest Shackleton was an Athy man? Come explore original mementos from his various voyages in the heritage centre. You may be lucky to meet the local historian who could point you in the right direction should you wish to seek out your Irish ancestors and many other reasons why attending 2013 celebrating diversity is a must participate event. 
  

Come and celebrate with us. You will be delighted that you came.

Thanks, WIN, Athy

 

Women’s integrated network (WIN), Athy - Win, Athy’s remit is empowering women for positive integration through information, training, skills/knowledge acquisition, potential development and social networking.

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