Councillor Martin McLoughlin, cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District, welcomed Professor Walsh and his daughter Lily to the headquarters of Mayo County Council where he presented Mr. Walsh with a copy of the book ‘Making the Right Connections’ written by Michael Larkin. Pictured, from left; Michael Larkin; Lily Walsh; Councillor Martin McLoughlin; Professor James Walsh and Councillor Blackie Gavin

Final engagement for McLoughlin as Castlebar cathaoirleach

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IN his final official engagement as cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District Council, Councillor Martin McLoughlin welcomed Professor James Walsh from the University of Colorado, Denver to Castlebar recently.

Professor Walsh, who was initially invited to Mayo by Michael Larkin, delivered a most informative and insightful lecture on the thousands of Irish immigrants who perished and died in the Leadville, Colorado silver mines in the late 1800s.

In addition to his academic career, Walsh has dedicated an enormous amount of time and effort in identifying the names of over 1,000 young Irish immigrants who were buried in the Catholic pauper section of Leadville's Evergreen cemetery.

Fittingly, a new memorial garden is nearing completion and will be officially opened in October 2023.

Michael Davitt visited Leadville on a number of occasions, where he encouraged the miners and labourers to remain united in pursuit of better working conditions.

Professor Walsh outlined at the end of his presentation, how fitting it would be if a delegation from Mayo were to be in attendance when the memorial garden will be officially opened by, it is hoped, President Joe Biden.

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