Tom's 60 years holidaying in Westport recognised

FOR the last six decades Tom Hanson has been coming from the US to holiday in Westport.

The 95-year-old has been making the trip over from Boston, and is currently enjoying his latest visit to the town.

When Tom first visited 60 years ago he stayed in the Central Hotel. On that visit he met Teresa Lawless and they have been friends ever since.

To mark his 60-year milestone Westport Tourism Organisation (WTO) this week made a number of presentations to Tom, whose family was originally from Mayo.

Pictured with Tom, seated at front with Teresa Lawless, are Christy Madigan (WTO), Kathleen Gavin (WTO), Bronagh Joyce (Westport Heritage Centre and WTO), Dick Harnedy (treasurer, WTO), Donal O’Shea (chairman, WTO), Muriel Barry (secretary, WTO) and Padraig Kennedy.

On a week when Westport was awarded the country's first Destination Award for customer service, Tom's return over so many years is a ringing endorsement of the fact Westport is one of the best places to visit.