Mayo and Cuyahoga ‘a perfect match’

Mayo and Cuyahoga ‘a perfect match’


Ciara Galvin

A civic reception was held last week for a visiting trade delegation from Cuyahoga County, Cleveland, Ohio.
The reception, held at the National Museum of Country Life, was one of several key events to mark the week long visit by the group of 20.
Hoping to build on close partnerships, a Memorandum of Understanding between both Cuyahoga and Mayo was signed. The partnership will see them work together to further develop social, cultural and economic ties and work together for mutual benefit on both sides of the Atlantic.  
Speaking at the reception, Ed Fitzgerald, County Executive of Cuyahoga County said there was a ‘natural link’ between Cuyahoga County and Mayo, with 200,000 people out of the Cuyahoga County population of 1.2 million claiming a Mayo connection.   
Mr Fitzgerald added that the partnership was one that ‘really makes sense’ due to both counties ‘perfect match of history, family and economies’.
The trip was initiated and coordinated by the Enterprise and Investment Unit of Mayo County Council working in association with The Western Development Commission.
The delegation took part in a number of key events during their visit, including a series of networking meetings with local enterprises, presentations and engagements.
Mr Fitzgerald said the trip provided a fantastic platform to develop ties between both counties.
Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach John O’Malley welcomed the delegation, stating that Mayo always had close ties with Cleveland, as Achill was formally twinned with Cleveland ten years ago.
Peter Hynes, Mayo County Manager said the trade visit was especially important in the year of The Gathering and that the partnership would work towards Ireland’s economic recovery.
“Enda Kenny wants Ireland to be the best small country to do business with by 2016 and we want Mayo and Cuyahoga to be a part of that,” said Mr Hynes.
Over several days, the delegation had the opportunity to connect with a number of companies and agencies in the county and attend a series of meetings. A Business Networking Breakfast with local Mayo enterprises was hosted by Mayo County Enterprise Board in Westport, showcasing Ireland’s best town to live in, while to conclude the delegation’s visit to the county, a Homecoming Gathering dinner was held in Mulranny Park Hotel showcasing the best of ‘All Things Mayo’.  
Special guest of Honour, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny addressed those in attendance at the event, made up of the travelling delegation, tourism groups and business and community representatives from the region.
CEO of the County Enterprise Board, Joanne Grehan, welcomed the opportunity to host the visitors, the second trade delegation from Cuyahoga County in less than 12 months.  “Watching this relationship grow, it’s evident there are clear areas of mutual interest, both culturally and economically, and events such as this are an ideal opportunity for both communities to unite and work together to deliver economic growth for Mayo and its Cuyahoga Diaspora,” she said.
Peter Hynes then summarised the week’s activities by saying that it was a demonstration of how the power of Mayo’s diaspora can be harnessed in a tangible way.
“This is the type of initiative that our Enterprise and Investment Unit will continue to focus on,” he vowed.