Warming up for the Gathering were Andrew Boyle, Flame of Slane, Libby O'Donnell, Flame of Slane, Cllr Niamh McGowan, Cathaoirleach Meath County Council, Blaithnaid Ni Chofaigh, Cllr Paul Bell, Mayor of Drogheda, Michele Whelan, Boyne Valley Tourism Officer, Cllr Wayne Harding, Slane Area Meath

Flame of Slane burns to launch Gathering events

John Donohoe

Published: Tue 19 Feb 2013, 9:30 AM

Last updated: Tue 19 Feb 2013, 9:35 AM

The 'Flame of Slane' will burn brightly this year as part of The Boyne Valley Gathering event. Mayor Of Drogheda, Paul Bell, along with cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Niamh McGowan, and RTE presenter from Rath Chairn, Blaithnaid Ni Chofaigh, came together in Slane on Monday to highlight the Boyne Valley Gathering showcase and launch taking place in the D Hotel, Drogheda on Wednesday, 6th March. The Flame of Slane Festival is just one of many events taking place in the Boyne Valley throughout the year as part of The Gathering Ireland. Taking place in Slane Village on April 7th and 8th, it will feature the lighting of the Paschal Fire, along with a wedding, light projections and live music. To give people a taste of what is to come in the year ahead, the March 6th Boyne Valley Gathering Showcase and Launch event will feature contributions from all projects taking place in the Boyne Valley for The Gathering Ireland 2013. Hosted by Blaithnaid Ni Chofaigh the event will be open to all and will allow the public get an idea of what events they might be interested in attending or taking part in. It is also designed to remind them to invite family or friends to visit for The Gathering. Speaking from Slane, Mayor Bell said: "The Boyne Valley region is naturally steeped in history and quite rightly, there are a large number of events taking place here during The Gathering. I hope people will come along to the Showcase and Launch night in the D Hotel to get an idea of just how much is there is happening and, if they have friends or family coming home to Ireland this year, they can include these events in their itinerary." Meath Cathaoirleach, Cllr McGowan is also highly impressed with the Boyne Valley offering for The Gathering: "There is a tremendous programme of Gathering events, which are all of a high standard and compliment our reputation as one of the jewels in Ireland's tourism and heritage crown. The Showcase and Launch will allow people to see what is due to take place during the year ahead and how they can play their part in the Boyne Valley Gathering." The Boyne Valley Showcase and Launch takes place in the D Hotel, Drogheda, on Wednesday, 6th March and admission is free.