An early start in Kiltegan
KILTEGAN STARTED preparing for the Gathering 2013 early by launching a booklet on the area just before Christmas.
The booklet touches upon local history, schools and churches, the Hume collection in Kiltegan and family names associated with the village. ‘Kiltegan – The Gathering 2013’ also includes sporting activities in the area, especially Kiltegan’s long association with GAA and camogies. The history of the local ICA guild, set dancing and drama groups is also explored.
Copies of the booklet were sent to Kiltegan natives currently working abroad and Mary Hickson, of the Kiltegan Gathering Committee, says the concept generated a lot of goodwill and generosity of spirit in the local community.
‘At the outset, our intention was to put something together about the village, something which might reinforce peoples' sense of belonging and pride of place - having something tangible to show friends abroad about their Irish heritage.’
The booklet also contains a cal- endar of events which highlights local gathering which may appeal to anyone returning to Kiltegan from foreign shores.
‘ In writing this Booklet, we discovered in ourselves a heightened awareness of the beauty and history of our lovely village and surrounds.
‘We hope too that it inspired people in some way – perhaps to remember someone from long ago, or now, or to explore further and research our local history,’ adds Mary.