Members of Conna Community Council are nothing if not diligent and they made it their business to research the phenomenon that has become 'The Gathering' - a Government initiative that followed from a high powered think tank in Farmleigh House.
Contrary to what some people would have you believe there were a number of dedicated 'Gathering' meeting where community groups were briefed on the thinking behind the initiative to attract additional visitors to Ireland during 2013. In fairness to the villages and towns within The Avondhu catchment, the vast majority have come up with lots of interesting ideas and concepts on how to celebrate 'The Gathering'.
Two men who attended several 'Gathering' meetings were Conna Community Council members, Gerard O'Mahony and William Kearney. They brought their findings back to their local council and, after some considered debate, the weekend of the August Bank Holiday was chosen to host a series of 'Gathering' related events.
The programme of event looks very impressive and will culminate with a spectacular parade through the village on Friday evening (August 2nd). The following is the schedule of 'Gathering' events in Conna.
Thursday 1st August
The Conna Gathering will be formally launched in Conna Community Centre on Thursday evening, 1st August at 8pm. Guest speaker will be Muintir na Tire president, John Hogan. Other guests will include members of the Hagerty and Fitzgerald families who are visiting Ireland to coincide with 'The Conna Gathering'. There will be a powerpoint display by local historians Tom Finn and Pa Barry, an exhibition of GAA memorabilia by Denis O'Sullivan, a 'Gathering' calendar launch by Lorna Dunlop, an art display by Mary Gough, a photgraphic exhibition and storytelling with Peter Barry. Earlier at 7pm, St Catherine's AC will stage a 5km run. 
Friday 2nd August
'The Gathering' parade is the centrepiece of Friday's programme and will start from Dan Gallagher's field at 6.30pm. It will be led by the Castlelyons Pipe Band along with grand marshalls, Tom Barry, Dick Morrison and Jane Mangan. Fancy dress, busking, street entertainment, beer barrel racing, terrier racing and a gun dog display are just some of the attractions.
Saturday 3rd August
The big event on Thursday evening is an open air Mass (at 6.30pm) in the grounds of Conna Social Centre. The John O'Leary memorial soccer tournament is also down for decision that evening between Conna and Curraglass. There will be a GAA match in Pairc Naomh Caitriona at 8pm to be followed by music from a number of local artists later that night. Performing will be the Roche family, Martha Ahern, Eva Aherne and Nicole Maguire. The 'Conna Gathering' song will also be launched. 
Sunday 4th August
A special 'Gathering' Mass will be celebrated in St Catherine's Church, Conna at 11.30am. The Mass will include a ceremony to mark the Golden Jubilee of Edward and Joan Hogan, who are travelling from the US. Singers at this Mass will include Frank Ryan, Sinead Coolican, Wiliam Kearney, Liam Walsh, John Noonan and Mo O'Connor.
Snday afternoon is family fun day with a host of on-street entertainment: busking, pongo, egg and spoon racing, terrier racing, music and dancing. Conna Sports Field will host a soccer match organised by Valley Rangers FC at 1pm and the Conna N.S. sports will also be held.
Monday 5th August
A farewell breakfast takes place on Monday morning at 10am in Conna Social Centre. 'Gathering' related activities that day comprise: guided tours of the village starting at 11.30am, fly casting on the River Bride at 1pm, donkey derby at 3pm and road bowling that evening . A fundraising barbecue in aid of Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin is also scheduled. 
A big thank you to sponsors and supporters
Those who helped organise 'The Gathering' celebrations in Conna wish to thank everyone who has assisted either practically or financially with this significant undertaking. All is now in readiness and the organising committee hope as many people as possible will partake in this once-off celebration known far and wide as 'The Gathering'.

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