Mayo town broadcasts live on American airwaves

A Mayo town went Transatlantic in style on Sunday evening, as the Ballina Manor Hotel featured on the airwaves of one of Cleveland, Ohio’s most renowned radio shows.

The hotel in North Mayo played host to a historic event as ‘Quinn Irish Radio’, the popular Sunday afternoon show on AM 1420 The Answer Cleveland was broadcast from Ireland.

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The show, presented by Gerry Quinn, has been popular among those from 'The Buckeye State', as it is affectionately known, since its inception in 1980.

Quinn is a proud son of Mayo and hails from Garracloon. Sunday’s Ballina broadcast is not his first, and he has previously touched down in the town. He is also the founder of the Cleveland Mayo Society, which attracts the Mayo diaspora people from around the state.

Many Mayo faces joined the 2025 edition of the broadcast, including Minister Dara Calleary, Senator Mark Duffy, and the Manager of Mayo North Tourism, Mairéad Melody-Carr.

“This live broadcast is a wonderful celebration of the enduring bond between Mayo and the Cleveland Irish community,” said Melody Carr. “It’s an invitation to the diaspora to rediscover their heritage and to experience the warm hospitality of Ballina, Belmullet, North Mayo, and West Sligo. We’re proud to showcase the rich culture and vibrant spirit of our region to a global audience.”

The excitement surrounding the broadcast reflected a deep pride in the Mayo–Cleveland connection and a shared commitment to keeping that connection alive for future generations.

Those wishing to listen back to Sunday afternoon’s edition of ‘Quinn Irish Radio’ on AM 1420 The Answer, Cleveland can do so by clicking here.