Mayos in Limerick prepare for ruby anniversary

Mayos in Limerick prepare for ruby anniversary


People and Places
Michal Commins

DOWN Limerick way, plans are in place to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the launch of the Mayo Association in Limerick. It was founded back in 1968 and has played a major role in the lives of many Mayo people in the region down the years.
The initial aims of the association were to promote cultural, social and other functions for its members, to render assistance to any member in need, and to help charitable organisations and other needy institutions in Mayo and Limerick city region.
The first officers of the association were Tom Flanagan, Castlebar (Chairperson); Jim Glynn, Castlebar (Secretary); John Jennings, Castlebar (Vice-Chairperson); Teresa Tonra (nee Feeney), Carracastle, Hubert Maye, The Neale; Jarlath Warde, The Neale; Frank Kavanagh, Garrymore; Martin Horkan, Killasser, and Brendan Gibbons, Ballinrobe.
Over the years, they raised funds for many causes in Mayo and Limerick. These were achieved through sponsored cycles, flag days, sale of work, dances and other events. The annual dinner dance sees the distribution of the funds to the chosen causes.
Numerous guest speakers have addressed the gatherings down through the years and among them were Msgr James Horan, Paddy Prendergast, Dr Mick Loftus, Fr Leo Morahan, Lord Altamont, Seamus Caulfield, Noel Connelly, Rosaleen Gallagher and Liam McHale.
Members of the committee have always been to the fore in helping people from Mayo ‘find their feet’ on arrival in Limerick. They brought with them that lovely meitheal spirit which was so much an integral part of the Mayo and west of Ireland way of life over the years.
The current officers of the Mayo Association in Limerick are: President, Frank Kavanagh; Chairperson, Vera Houlihan; Secretary, Joe Munnelly; Treasurer, Maureen Connolly; Vice-Chairperson, Jenny Higgins; Assistant Secretary, Bobby Hurley; PRO, Martin Fitzpatrick. Members of the general committee include Tim and Carmel Murphy, Padraig Gallagher, Val Rooney, Eamonn Finn and Anne Kavanagh.
Arrangements are at an advanced stage for a special celebration to mark the ruby anniversary of the founding of the Mayo Association in Limerick.