The launch of Cork’s programme of events for The Gathering 2013 announced over 220 spectacular events are planned to take place across Cork City and County during 2013, welcoming friends and family home to the ‘Rebel County.’ Among these initiatives is “Rebel Week” which will give those connected to Cork the opportunity to finally get their own “Cork Passport.”

Cork’s keynote Gathering initiative in its comprehensive 12-month calendar of activities is ‘Rebel Week.’ This focal point of The Gathering in Cork will showcase a week-long series of specially commissioned events running from October 14th-20th 2013.

Among the diverse events scheduled for ‘Rebel Week’ include a commemoration of the birth of revolutionary leader and Cork’s first son, Michael Collins, on October 16th; a Cork Global Economic Forum; and a unique and novel ‘Cork Passport’ scheme where those wishing to get their hands on this coveted document must be willing to prove their Cork credentials. Applications are welcome on the ‘Rebel Week’ website.
 
Commenting on The Gathering’s ‘Rebel Week,’ Padraic O’Kane, CEO of Corporate.ie (event promoters of ‘Rebel Week’) said, “Rebel Week seeks to embody the spirit of The Gathering in an engaging and, above all, lasting way. We are striving to ensure that through its activities, the week becomes a catalyst for Cork’s economic rejuvenation in the short and longer-term. With a target of attracting 5,000 international visitors, the week is geared towards fostering a sense of inclusivity and ‘family’ among citizens, businesses and all sectors of Cork society that translates into civic and commercial renewal.”

Speaking at the launch event, official Gathering Ambassador Darina Allen said, “Looking at the schedule of events for next year, it’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to welcome friends, family and international visitors to the Rebel County.”

From the 22nd to the 25th of August 2013, Cork will also play host to the World Mini Games. The multi-sport event, focused on reduced format versions of sports such as five-a-side football and rugby sevens, will take place at the Mardyke Sports Grounds and various locations around the city and county. Up to 30 different sports will be on offer for adults of all sporting abilities to compete for a World Mini Games title.
 
A key economic Gathering event will take place in Cork on January 21st and 22nd when the two day Irish Technology Leadership Group (ITLG) “Silicon Valley comes to Ireland” summit of global business leaders, high level executives, entrepreneurs and investors from the US and Ireland convenes in Cork. Cork City Council, Cork Chamber, UCC and CIT have partnered with the ITLG to bring this international event to Cork. This event is one of a series of initiatives to foster the recognition of Cork as a de facto European technology cluster and is being developed in collaboration with local industry and it@cork.
 
The Gathering is about reconnecting families and communities and extending the invitation to the Diaspora to come home and join in the celebration. One community embracing this is Allihies village which, from September 12th to 15th 2013, is welcoming the copper-mining Diaspora home to trace their ancestral roots. During the 1800s, Allihies was a flourishing community due to the abundance of copper in the area, but when the mines became exhausted many workers emigrated across the world, particularly to Butte Montana, a city that is also known today as ‘Shamrock City’! The celebrations will culminate in a choir singing deep within the mines of Allihies.
 
Among the events to take place next year is The Irish Redhead Convention which makes a welcome return to Crosshaven Co. Cork. Fiery-locked participants from overseas and around the country will receive their certificates of genuine ginger authenticity, compete in freckle counting contests, and take part in the traditional redhead parade through the village.
 
From the Cork Stout Festival to the Spike Island Triathlon to the Cork City Marathon taking place on Bank Holiday Monday, June 3rd, and the numerous clan gatherings in between, The Gathering 2013 will see Cork opening its arms with a ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’ to welcome friends and family home from all over the world to be part of a fun-filled year of celebration and great craic!
 
Significant investment has been made by key stakeholders Cork County Council, Cork City Council, Fáilte Ireland, IPB and Cork Airport to the tune of approximately €1 million to ensure that Cork has The Gathering of all Gatherings in 2013.

Cork Rebel Week 2013, which will take place between October 14th-20th 2013, will be a week-long celebration of “all things Cork” with a specific focus on bringing International visitors and family home to Cork County and Cork City throughout the week.
 
The initiative of Rebel Week will target a minimum of 5,000 International Visitors / Friends & Family of Cork living abroad, plus a further influx of National and Local audience attending the various events and activities, all of which will boost the economy and awareness of Cork during what is traditionally low season within the Tourism, Hospitality, Retail and Leisure Industries. The concept surrounding Rebel Week will embrace the imagination of Corkonians living Locally, Nationally and Internationally with the strong potential of Rebel Week becoming a new annual event in the National Events Calendar.
 
Key events / attractions of  Rebel Week will include:

• The availability of a Cork Rebel Week Passport to international visitors which will give the holder entitlement to extensive discounts and offers across the County in accommodation, hospitality, retail and leisure during Rebel Week. Locals can also obtain a passport via initiatives around supporting and promoting the concept.
 
• International Marching Bands integrating in the community of Cork City and County. Local communities in towns and districts throughout Cork will host the bands and will organise local events and activities throughout the week with the highlight of an International Cork Parade and Primary Activities in Cork City over the weekend October 19th & 20th .
 
• International Cork Day – Wednesday October 16th in celebration of both the birthday of Michael Collins and International Food Day.  Visas will be issued at all county borders to gain access to Cork on the day in exchange for a donation to Cork local charities.
 
• International Sporting Events – throughout the week and across the various fields of sport.
 
•  The Global Cork Economic Forum & the Global Cork Network – the sons and daughters of Cork will be individually invited home to take part in meaningful discussions and receive a greater understanding of economic renewal and job creation, specific to Cork City and County. They will also be allowed to have fun!