Details announced for County Mayo and O'Malley Virtual Gathering

Owing to the restrictions in place as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the annual O'Malley Clan Gathering was not in a position to take place in person this summer as it normally would in the West of Ireland.

In its place, the Business Post LIVE team, in partnership with Mayo.ie, TG4, NUI Galway, Grace O'Malley Whiskey, CMS Distribution & PEL are instead hosting the Gathering as a virtual event, which will be available to be viewed online by the O’Malley Clan International and also the five million Mayo diaspora around the world.

All with an interest in Ireland and her charms are invited to join us online on Saturday next, July 25, at 4 p.m.

It is an opportunity to learn of the O'Malley legacy, the culture, personality and business opportunities in Mayo in the spirit of Enterprise, Excellence and Adventure and reinforcing the theme of the Gathering that ‘We are all in this together’.

The virtual event will be broadcast from the home of Grace O’Malley on Clare Island and led by the Chieftain's of the O'Malley Clan.

Over the course of an hour, the gathering will take viewers on a cultural, historical and musical journey to celebrate the contribution of the O’Malleys around the world, while also paying tribute to the life of pirate queen Grace O’Malley and the county of Mayo from which she hailed.

They will discuss plans to restore the renowned Grace O'Malley Castle on Clare island and the planned Atlantic Youth Trust Tallship to be named after Grace.

The managing director of Business Post LIVE, Sarah Murphy, said on the Gathering: “The effects of the global pandemic have affected all of us on an individual, local and global scale.

"It has starkly reminded us of the importance of community, identity, friendship and how we are all in this together.

“As someone who lived abroad as an emigrant for many years, and witnessed the remarkable strength and power of the Irish community around the world; I can attest to the call of home and its omnipresence in the hearts and lives of the global Irish diaspora.

"Business Post LIVE were delighted to have the opportunity to produce this Virtual Gathering for the O’Malley Clan, the people of the county of Mayo and the global Irish diaspora.

“The pandemic has given us an opportunity to pivot our business model towards a digital and virtual future. We hope you enjoy the virtual event and it sparks happiness, inspiration and hope for you.”

Guests participating in the Virtual Gathering will include President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins who will be reciting one of his own poems, former Taoiseach of Ireland, Enda Kenny, former Governor of Maryland and incoming O’Malley Clan Taoiseach, Martin O'Malley, US Presidential campaign manager for Joe Biden, Jen O'Malley Dillon, Mayo GAA star Cillian O’Connor; Irish rugby legend, John Hayes and many many more.

Guests will also be treated to live music from Leo Moran of the Saw Doctors, renowned musician Sharon Shannon, Irish Folk/Pop/Rock Group Seo Linn and get to join in the unique experience of a virtual whiskey tasting.