11 I am delighted to welcome you all to the final day of the International Hurling Festival for another great day of sport. Our festival is one of many Gatherings that have taken place throughout the country this year. 2013 is turning out to be a very special year for Irish tourism. The industry has gone through major change in recent years and has finally turned the corner. The Gathering seems to have captured the hearts and minds of Irish people all over the world and there is no doubt that it has proven a vital force in the resurgent visitor numbers to our shores this year. A large portion of Aer Lingus’ business comes from inbound tourism and so when the initial plans for the Gathering emerged, in early 2012, we immediately identified it as an initiative we wanted to support. The big question was, How? How do we make a significant contribution? We looked for an idea that could involve the Diaspora in something traditionally Irish and that would fit well with our uniquely Irish brand and our tradition of connecting Ireland with the world. It didn’t take long for us to conclude that the beautiful game of hurling was a fitting theme upon which to base an Aer Lingus, Gathering event. As a relative newcomer to Ireland I can still remember the first time I saw hurling played. I couldn’t believe the skill, speed, passion and sportsmanship on display and have since learned to appreciate the immense pride that the national game inspires in Irish people. On behalf of all my colleagues in Aer Lingus, I wish to thank you all for supporting the festival. Of course, we wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the 16 teams, who came from all round the world to compete. Our sincerest thanks to the teams and to Galway GAA, Galway County Hurling Committee, the Galway Hurling Supporters Club, the tourism and hospitality community and the host town committees for creating memorable 3 days of sport, ceol agus craic. Enjoy the final day. Yours sincerely Christoph Mueller Chief Executive Festival OVERALL STEERING COMMITTEE Mattie Kenny: Aer Lingus, Overall Project Manager, Mary Hanniffy-Walsh: Aer Lingus, Events Co-Ordinator, Stevie Cahalan: Chairman of Overall Steering Committee, Christy Browne: Opening Ceremony, Team Lead, Noel Treacy: Chairman, Galway County Board, Keith Spain: Chairman, Loughrea Host Town Committee, Shane Donnellan: Loughrea Host Town Committee, Austin McInerney: Chairman, Gort Host Town Committee, Mike Finn: Gort Host Town Committee, Willie Ward: Chairman, Ballinasloe Host Town Committee, Darren Kelly: Ballinasloe Host Town Committee, Ollie Crowe: Chairman, Galway West Host Town Committee, Lisa Regan: Galway West Host Town Committee, John Hynes: Juvenile Competition Team Lead, Joe Byrne: Senior Competition, Team Lead, Jarlath Cloonan: Senior Competition and PRO, Mick Turley: Transport Committee, Team Lead, Paddy Murphy: Transport Committee, Bernie O’Connor: Catering, Team Lead, Bernard Pierce: Chairman, Loughrea GAA, Albert Mannion: Loughrea GAA, Christy O’Loughlin: Loughrea GAA.
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