Books of condolences opened after Polish tragedy

Books of condolences opened after Polish tragedy


Edwin McGreal

Books of condolences have been opened in Castlebar and Westport after the tragic death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski in a plane crash on Saturday.
Castlebar Town Council and Westport Town Council have opened the books are are available for people to sign for a period of one week, before being forwarded to the Polish Embassy.
With a large Polish community based in Mayo, Therese Ruane of Mayo Intercultural Action (MIA) sympathised with the Polish people on their loss. The crash, in Russia, claimed the lives of all 97 passengers on board.
“We’d like to empathise with our Polish friends living  here in County Mayo – it’s always more difficult when you’re away from home when tragedy strikes in your native home. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
“This tragedy is even more shocking as it happened in Russia as they travelled to mark the 70th anniversary of the massacre of Polish officers by Soviet Forces.”
Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council Myles Staunton said the book at Westport Town Council was a ‘small gesture’ to Polish people, particularly those living in the locality.
“A few years ago, there were estimated to be up to 800 Polish people living in Westport alone. This number has certainly decreased given the downturn in the economy, but there are still a number of Polish people living in Westport with strong connections to our town. This is a small gesture on behalf of the people of Westport to reach out to the Polish community living in Westport at this difficult time for them.”