OVER NINETY people attended the Gorey Gathering community meeting held in the Amber Springs Hotel where the guest of honour was the local Paralympic gold medallist, Darragh McDonald.

Cllr. John Hegarty, who hails from the Gorey area and is Chairman of the Wexford Gathering Steering Committee, spoke at length with Darragh about his great achievement and the impact that the games have had on the country and Gorey.

He also expressed his delight with the fine turnout for the meeting, which was the first of its kind in the area, and involved information on The Gathering and facilitated idea generation.

The Gathering 2013 is about the people of Ireland inviting family, friends and connections from around the world for home to home to Ireland next year.

The committee is chaired by Cllr. John Hegarty, and the Gorey representatives are David Minogue, Gorey Town Clerk, and Hazel Percival from Gorey Library.

Gorey Library will act as an information hub for the Gathering.

Amanda Byrne from Wexford County Council is the County Gathering Co-Ordinator and her role is to support the steering committee and assist the various groups in developing and promoting their ideas.

A common theme across all tables was the sense of welcome in the town and surrounds and the great spirit of co-operation that exists.

Ideas included expanding the Market House Festival, holding a world record event, developing heritage trails in local areas and establishing a walking festival.