Stagnant is definitely not the right word for the IT industry in Ireland. It's anything but. There have been some huge native successes in the industry in such a short time frame. Look at the likes of soundwave or the guys in trustev whom are winning startup awards left right and centre.
The amount of meet ups help make the IT industry in Ireland thrive. There barely goes a week without there being an event on sometime even three to four each week.
I've had the pleasure of meeting a few of them and what can I say, they're extremely passionate about what they do!
Congratulations.