Former NASA astronaut visits popular Westport pub

FORMER NASA astronaut Cady Coleman has visited one of Westport’s most iconic traditional music pubs.

Ms Coleman, one of approximately 600 people in history to travel to space, joined Matt Molloy and friends for a music session in the Molloy’s renowned pub during a recent visit.

In 2011, Ms Coleman took a 100-year-old Irish wooden flute belonging to Molloy Matt into space and marked St Patrick’s Day by playing a solo.

Her stopover in Westport came during a visit to the west of Ireland, where she gave a talk to over 250 secondary school students from across the region at ATU’s Sligo campus.

The event was held to highlight the importance of science and space exploration and the need for more young people to explore careers in STEM subjects. The visit was organised by Dr Jerry Bird, Head of the Faculty of Science at ATU Sligo, in collaboration with the American Embassy in Ireland.

Ms Coleman’s journey into space began with NASA in 1992. She later flew two space shuttle missions—STS-73 in 1995 and STS-93 in 1999—before spending nearly six months aboard the ISS in 2010.

Dur her career, she logged more than 180 days in space, conducting numerous scientific experiments. She even performed a flute duet with the Chieftains and Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull from space, a first in the history of music.

In addition to her educational talk, Ms Coleman took part in a traditional Irish music session hosted by ATU’s Traditional Music Society, who presented her with a tin whistle to commemorate her visit.

“We are incredibly honoured to have Cady Coleman here at ATU Sligo,” said Dr Gerry Bird.

“Her career with NASA and her time in space serve as a real inspiration to the students, staff, and the entire community. She shows just how far a love of science can take you, and her message will resonate with these young minds for years to come.”