MORE than 300 people from all over Europe will compete for national and European gaming titles at Thomond Park from June 14 to 16 when Limerick hosts the 15th annual Conclave Games convention.

Some of the world’s biggest games manufacturers, such as Mantic Games, Airfix, Games Workshop and Ironwind Productions, will participate in the event which is considered one of Ireland’s and the UK’s largest gaming conventions and forms part of the Gathering Ireland 2013,

According to organiser, Garry Jackson of The Gathering Games Store in Limerick City, the UK-based Mantic Games Company will host the DreadBall Irish Nationals while Martin Sweeney of Scottish-based Catalyst will run the Battletech European Championships, with the winner representing Ireland at the World GenCon Championships in Indianapolis, USA, later this year.

On the collectable card gamesfront, this year sees an Irish Magic Nationals, two Magic Grand Prix trials, a YU-GI-OH Championship Series qualifier, where the winner travels to London to play in the Championship. The hugely popular Games Workshop Warhammer and Lord of the Rings will also feature.

As well as hosting trade stands and these national and European title events, the Convention will also feature a model painting competition, historical and sci-fi/fantasy games, war-games and role playing games.

Commenting on the background to the Conclave Convention, Mr. Jackson said: “The Convention began in 1999 as a gathering for various gaming and hobby groups in Limerick. From humble beginnings in Halle Ide on Thomas Street to this year’s Thomond Park venue, the event has grown over the years, but what has remained constant is the support and involvement of the local community”.

 Dreadclaw69 wrote:
I just hope that the organisers have people working for them that don't all have the Limerick accent. It can be a wee bit of a strain to follow if you aren't used to it