On September 14th 2013 a new High King of Tara will be crowned on the Hill of Tara. Could it be you? Can you beat all others and become the centre of the historically reconstructed crowning ceremony to take place on the Hill of Tara with thousands of witnesses?
13 men or women will compete with each other to demonstrate their leadership, bravery and skill by passing the ancient six tasks of the Na Fianna warriors.
Modern day kings in their own communities, these 13 final contestants embody the Na Fianna warrior mottoes:
Purity of our hearts
Strength of our limbs
Action to match our speech
Helps us find the best and the bravest, they could be in your club, or it could be you!
If you are such a warrior, log on to the festival website and fill in the online form to be selected as one of the 13 final contestants, and let the best man (or woman) win!
Open applications are from March 17th 2013 to May 30th 2013.
A special jury composed of the festival’s Committee members and County Meath representatives will then review all nominations and select 13 finalists to compete on the day of the Festival.
Our 13 finalist contestants will be announced on July 15th 2013. All 13 finalist contestants will have their own individual travel fees to the Hill of Tara covered by the Festival organization.
Selection Criteria
The New High King of Tara must demonstrate his (or her) superiority to all other contestants in these qualities:
• Physical fitness and strength (some of the Na Fianna Challenges will be sporty)
• Leadership and influence in their local community
• Brain and brawn: proven accomplishment in their field
• Involvement in their local community
• Conviction and integrity
About the festival
The Gathering 2013 is people coming together to celebrate, confirm and discuss their Irish identity and culture. Since before Celtic times, Tara was both the political and spiritual meeting point for the Irish people. In fact, even after 142 High Kings reigned from the Hill, it has continued to be recognised as an important and symbolic meeting place. In Ireland’s special Gathering year, the Hill of Tara is the natural place for Meath’s celebration.
The Tara High Kings Festival is a non-profit community initiative. Respect and promotion of the Hill of Tara, its history, importance and magic has been the cornerstone of our plans.
This interactive family festival will take place on private land adjacent to the Hill itself. Activities will include children’s archeological field school, children’s music and art workshops, re-enactment Celtic village, warriors skills, cooking and crafts.
The promoters
This festival is being run by the Tara High Kings Festival community group, made up of representatives of Meath Travellers Workshops, The Tara Foundation, Skryne and Rathfeigh Historical Society, An Garda Síochána and the GAA.
For more information, please log on to www.tarahighkingsfestival.ie or email info@tarahighkingsfestival.ie
This is your chance to relive the magic and drama of a High King crowning ceremony and share this magnificent gem of Irish Heritage with your children and friends in our unique one-day festival.
Sign up today and do your club, your parish and yourself proud!
