The year is 1993 and approximately 2,000 people have descended on the small townland of Ballyhupahaun, Rosenallis.
On August 25, a group of ‘Rainbow Gatherers’ came from all over Europe to share in peace and love in secluded part of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, drawing massive national media attention.
The Gathering made all the headlines, with people from near and far scrambling to see the Rainbow people and their unique way of life.
Now, 31 years later, the Irish Rainbow Gathering Group say they are exploring the idea of recreating the iconic gathering in Rosenallis.
Group representative, Daniel McDonald said “our call to action seems to have struck a chord within Laois and across the country.
“We’ve received an overwhelming response.
“We believe that this holds value and significance, not only for our community but also for a wider audience interested in cultural movements and communal gatherings.
“The idea has gained further massive interest from all over the country and internationally with offers of assistance to stage it if it goes ahead.
“An invite has now been extended to the Rainbow network in Ireland and across the globe to come to Rosenallis.”
On a post to the Irish Rainbow Family’s Facebook page, the Rosenallis Festival of 2024 The Mountain and Vintage Rally has been suggested as a possible time to hold the event.
Started in the late 1960’s as an outgrowth of the anti-war and hippy movements in the USA, the Rainbow family is a counter-culture that has described itself as “the largest best coordinated non-political, non-denominational non-organisation of like-minded individuals on the planet.”
The flagship Rainbow Family Gatherings, began in the USA in 1972 and in Europe in 1983, with annual gatherings held every year since.
The Gatherings include workshops, talking circles, meditations, acoustic music, dancing, drumming and storytelling.
Daily meetings are held to discuss practical issues. Those attending, knowns as “Rainbows,” sit in a circle where the Talking Stick method is used, i.e. the person speaking holds the stick and all others listen. Decisions are reached by general consensus.
“Rainbow Gatherings are different from other festivals,” they say.
“Everyone is welcome to come but please come with an open heart and a willingness to co-operate with our principles.
“The gathering is an absolutely non-commercial event. Please do not come with the intention of selling or buying anything. Put as much money as you can in the Magic Hat.
“Do not bring alcohol, drugs, or electric devices.”
The podcast is still available here, and includes some wonderful stories from those who played such a pivotal role in the 1993 Gathering.
One such tale comes from former Sgt Marshall, who spent time in the camp.
“I got this cup of stuff and sure I was feeling great after it,” he said.
“I did see one or two mushrooms floating around in it, but that didn’t deny me from taking another one.”
SEE ALSO – Bord na Mona ‘very open to proposals’ for tourists attractions in Laois according to local TD
