Westport native Ashling Heneghan flies the Mayo flag in America for St Patrick’s Day

A daughter of Mayo proudly wore the Sydney Rose sache when she marched down Fifth Avenue during the New York St Patrick’s Day parade. 

Ashling Heneghan, a native of Westport residing in Syndey, joined Roses from around the world in the New York parade, which was attended by 150,000 people. 

Ms Heneghan hit the headlines last year when she won the Sydney Rose contest. She later wore the Sydney Rose sache while flying the Mayo flag at the annual Rose of Tralee Festival in August.

In recent days, Ms Heneghan and her fellow roses were in Chicago, where the Chicago River was dyed green for St Patrick’s Day. 

Speaking to The Mayo News hours before the New York St Patrick’s Day parade, Ms Heneghan said she was ‘delighted’ to be taking part in the New York St Patrick’s Day parade. 

“It’s such a privilege to walk alongside all of my fellow roses and escorts and all the various groups of Irish communities here in New York. The experience is incredible,” she said. 

“I’m so grateful to be able to share all of these fabulous experiences with all my family and friends. There is a great energy and vibrancy.”

The roses were also by some of their escorts, including Ardagh native James Burke, who represented Mayo in the escort section of the Rose of the Tralee. 

You can watch the New York St Patrick’s Day parade here.