Olympian receives warm east Mayo welcome

LIFT OFF Nicholas Quinn from Castlebar, one of the Irish Olympian swimmers in Rio, being presented with a piece of Mayo Crystal by Brendan Mulvey from The Irish Diaspora committee on his arrival at Knock Airport last week.

Michael Commins

MAYO Olympian swimmer, Nicholas Quinn from Castlebar, laid a wreath at the Sheridan Memorial in Bohola during Christmas week. The ceremony was organised by former Mayo Person of the Year, Kevin Bourke, from Ballyvary.
Born in Bohola, Martin Sheridan emigrated to America and served with the New York City Police Department. He won nine Olympics medals (five gold, three silver and one bronze) while representing the USA at the Games held in St Louis (1904, Athens (1906) and London (1908). He died at the age of 37 in 1918, a victim of the flu pandemic of that year.
Nicholas Quinn was deeply moved by the warm welcome extended to him by Kevin and friends in Bohola. Before laying the wreath, he called in to Bohola NS where he was given an enthusiastic welcome from the staff and pupils. He also planted a tree on the school grounds to mark the occasion.
On the arrival of Nicholas from Edinburgh to Knock Airport the previous day to spend Christmas with his family, Kevin Burke and Brendan Mulvey had organised a special surprise for Nicholas.
Bryana Hindle from Marketing Department at the Airport ensured that a member of the ground crew met Nicholas when he got off the plane and escorted him upstairs where his mother, Kevin, Brendan and supporters of The Irish Diaspora were waiting for him. Food was laid on and the spirit of Christmas was in the air. 
Brendan Mulvey presided at the address of welcome and congratulated him on his excellent performances at the Rio Olympics. He presented Nicholas with a piece of Mayo Crystal. Brendan also had words of thanks for Bryana and Audrey from the Marketing Department at Knock Airport for their help and courtesy in facilitating the special welcome home for Nicholas Quinn.