British Ambassador reveals Mayo has given her 'one of her favourite memories of the year'
British Ambassador to Ireland, Kara Owen, is today visiting Sligo and Mayo, marking the completion of her ambition to visit all 26 counties during her first year in Ireland.
The visit will highlight the innovation, talent and ambition shaping both counties, while providing an opportunity to strengthen connections across the north-west.
In Sligo, the Ambassador will visit health food company Good4U and The Model to learn more about the region's business and cultural life.
She will then travel to Mayo to take part in the sod-turning ceremony for the new Pro Rail Academy in Kiltimagh, an investment from UK-headquartered Pro Rail Services highlighting the importance of investment in skills and workforce development.
The visit will conclude at Ireland West Airport Knock, where she will meet Minister Dara Calleary.
Ambassador Owen said: “One of the goals I set myself when I arrived in Ireland was to visit all 26 counties during my first year as British Ambassador.
"As this visit to Sligo and Mayo completes that journey, I have been thinking very much about the many fabulous people and communities I have met along the way.
"Every county has shown me something different. But everywhere, it’s impossible to miss the warmth, talent and sense of community that can be found across this country.
"As people may know, I have a special connection to the west of Ireland, and it seems fitting that this journey ends in Mayo.
"Not to mention that Mayo gave me one of my favourite memories from the past year: sitting among supporters as they cried, laughed, and cheered the county's All-Ireland victory.
"Being invited into that moment was very special, with all the pride, history, and community of the moment on full show.
"Over the past year I have also seen, at every level, the strength of the relationship between the UK and Ireland.
"From local partnerships and business links to the close engagement between the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach, there is real momentum in our relationship.
"My visits to different counties have given me a deeper understanding of the country and of the many connections between our two islands. I look forward to building on those connections in the years ahead."
The visit reflects the Embassy's commitment to engaging with communities across Ireland and strengthening the people-to-people, cultural and economic links between the UK and Ireland.