Mayo friends in high places

Distinguished Irish American historian, Professor James Walsh, University of Colorado in Denver, who made a very special visit to Mayo last year, is in the running to become the next Mayor of Denver.

Professor Walsh, in addition to his academic career, 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.

Leadville, situated high in the Rocky mountains, towers above the 'mile high city' of Denver at an altitude of 10,200 feet, making it the highest city in America.

Following the discovery of silver here in the late 1800s, thousands fled to the region hoping to 'make a fortune' in this most inhospitable region of America where winter snow persists for more than seven months of the year.

Professor Walsh, initially invited to Mayo by Michael Larkin, delivered a very informative and insightful lecture in the Michael Davitt Museum, Straide.

National Land League co-founder 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.

Next September the Leadville Irish memorial garden, dedicated to the Irish who perished and died there, will be officially opened by U.S. President Joe Biden.