Special connection between Mayo and the USA to be marked

TWO leading academics in the field of Irish American studies are making a special visit to Mayo this weekend.

Prof. Timothy McMahon, president of the American Conference for Irish Studies and Pittsburgh native Dr. Matthew O'Brien, Prof. of History at Steubenville University, will both attend a number of events, to acknowledge what has been termed 'a tapestry of connectivity uniquely connecting the United States of America and Co. Mayo'.

The emigrant journey undertaken by Co. Mayo native Thomas Larkin is deemed to be "a wonderful illustration of Ireland's, and in this case, Co. Mayo's many unique and special connections with the United States of America", according to Prof. O'Brien.

Thomas Larkin, born in 1874, in the townland of Derrew, Ballyheane, created thousands of 'New Connections', during the course of his distinguished career with the Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania.

Castlebar Municipal District will accord a Civic Welcome to both visitors this evening (Friday) at 7 p.m. in Lough Lannagh village.

On Saturday morning in the Mayo GMIT Campus at 10.30 a.m., Professor's McMahon and O'Brien will both make presentations on Irish American migration, Pittsburgh in the 1900's and other aspects of Irish American history.

A number of events are scheduled for Saturday afternoon, including a visit to the ancestral homeland of Thomas Larkin in Ballyheane.

On Sunday morning, following 10 a.m. Mass in St. Patrick's Church Killawalla, a ceremony in the local Community Centre will conclude what promises to be a weekend symbolizing in a special way, our connectedness to the United States of America.

* Pictured are Mr. Jim Lamb, Hon. Irish Consul and President of the Irish Institute of Pittsburgh, Councilman Corey O'Connor, District 5, Pittsburgh City Council, and Michael Larkin, pictured following a meeting in Pittsburgh City Council Offices.