Councillor Seamus Morris, Rathnaleen, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. Mobile: (087)2859125. E-mail: seamusmorris@hotmail.com Website: www.northtippsinnfein.

com Date: 02/01/13 01 Morris congratulates Tipperary organisations on their efforts in promoting the Gathering With 64 confirmed Gathering events in Tipperary in 2013 the organisations in the County have performed extremely well and have surpassed many bigger counties. Of course my home town of Nenagh has been to the fore of promoting tourism through sports over the last few year thanks to my Sports Tourism Grants which were later adapted by Templemore Town Council, Thurles Town Council and North Tipperary County council to such great effect that Tipperary could claim to be the leaders in Sports Tourism in the country. Many of the events supported by my sports tourism grants have turned into Gathering events this year. I can also confirm that my own initiative of bringing American and Canadian High school rugby teams has already had two teams confirmed for 2013 with Ithaca College Avengers (36) and Rowan University R F C (26) from the U S A as early confirmations and I have also set up a 2 Premier Hurling Experience for them with a short History of Hurling d v d followed by Hurling lessons and I have also lined up Phil Burke hurleys to give a hurley making exhibition for them making their stay in Nenagh as their highlight in the Irish tour such is the reports from them on the Premier Hurling Experience. I look forward to a great year of tourism for the county and I want to congratulate each and every organisation for putting in huge efforts to bring people to the Premier county. I am certain that the people that visit Tipperary will enjoy themselves and will return time and time again.