For Episode 26 of the Shnug podcast we were invited down by Gary Jackson and the lads from the Gathering to Thomand Park in Limerick City, for the Conclave gaming convention.
The Gathering is a Limerick institution and now holds the title of Ireland’s oldest gaming and hobby shop. Gary opened its doors in February 1997 after transforming the former premises, a fish and tackle shop, to a store of his own. There was no electricity, phone or running water, games were held by candlelight and dice rolls were difficult to confirm but 27 years later they are still here. The shop has always had a strict code universally applied whether to boy, girl, old, young, Professor or pauper, enjoy the game, play by the rules, win or lose. shake hands.
The Gathering is a safe space, it doesn't matter where you’re from, your socio economic background, if you are from the LGBTQI+ community, or on the spectrum or off it, as long as you treat people with respect you are welcome. This is thanks to the environment that Gary has created.
After running the shop for a year, Gary held the first gaming convention, Conclave, in Halla Ide, this year marks the 26th anniversary of that convention and it now calls Thomand Park home. You’ll hear from a whole host of people who have travelled from across the county for the event and they speak glowingly about the impact the Gathering, Conclave and in particular Gary has had on their lives. Gary is a community leader and has been for nearly 30 years. If it was up to me, I would award him the Keys of Limerick city for the work he has done in that time, walk into the store on any Saturday morning and you’ll understand immediately what I mean. Interviewees include Tommy Warden, Sheamus Hennessey, Saoirse & Leon O’Conner, Paul Gunning, John Williams and Gary Jackson.
Conclave Abu, The Gathering Abu…
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