Strong Mayo connections in Philadelphia for St Patrick's Day Parade

A strong delegation from Mayo County Council travelled to Philadelphia to take part in the St Patrick's Day Parade.

Dignitaries Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr John O Hara, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council Kevin Kelly and Cllr Gerry Coyle participated in the second longest running parade in the United States.

A special occasion for Carolyn Wilson-Albright from the Mayo Association of Philadelphia. Her grand-mother Winifred Duffy emigrated from from Charlestown to Philadelphia in 1923.

PICTURES: Colourful St Patrick's Day parade in West Mayo town

Carolyn still has a cousin who lives in her family home: 

"I typically go back every summer to visit. I have dual citizenship and hope to one day move back at least part time. After the St Patrick's Day parade we celebrate with an open house at my home, usually about 100 people. This time marked year 30!"

The Mayo Association of Philadelphia keeps the strong ties and traditions that bond the communities from across the Atlantic together.

There is Sister James Anne: "My father was born in Ballinrobe, County Mayo in 1896 and he came to the America in 1926. My mother's parents came from Foxford and Pontoon, but I am not sure of the year."

She vividly describes her latest visit to Ireland in the summer of 2023: "My cousins are in the Neale in Ballinrobe, and also in County Sligo. It was great to visit the cemetery where my grandparents are buried, and to attend Mass where my father did as a young boy and man. I also saw where my grandmother's home was (my mother's mother), which is a very nice home now. I also was able to see the house where my father's mother grew up, which is now a part of a beautiful farm. And also my father's home, which is now part of a farm. I loved my visit to Our Lady of Knock shrine, Boat tour around Cong, and many other exciting places."

WATCH: St Patrick's Day Parade in Philadelphia with Mayo dignitaries

Maureen Saxon explains how her parents immigrated to Philadelphia from Mayo between 1920 and 1922, they had brothers and sisters here. They met through family, married and had 7 children, 26 grandchildren and a great life:
"I made about 7 trips to Ireland through the years!"

PHOTOS: St Patrick's Day Parade in Mayo town

Carolyn Wilson-Albright celebrated St. Patrick’s Day yesterday with her immediate family and some friends. They went to Cawley’s Pub, which is owned by Mayo Native Sean Cawley, which is about 10 minutes from her house:

"I’ve been going to Cawley’s for Paddy’s Day since I was 18!" 

At the St Patrick's Day Parade in Philadelphia:

Chief Executive of Mayo County Council Kevin Kelly, Margaret O'Hara, Cathleen Lynskey (President of the Mayo Association of Philadelphia), Mayo Cathaoirleach John O'Hara, Carolyn Wilson-Albright, Vice President of the Mayo Association of Philadelphia, Geraldine Coyle and Cllr Gerry Coyle. 

The Mayo Association of Philadelphia at a recent gathering