On Wednesday, April 15, 2015, New York State Assemblyman, Michael Kearns, announced that links have been established between Irish Network Buffalo, and Mayo County Council Enterprise, and Investment Unit. Assemblyman Kearns was very jubilant announcing the creation of new links between Western New York, and Ireland.
Assemblyman Kearns, whose roots trace back to Westport, Co. Mayo, is a member of the New York State Assembly. Kearns represents the 142nd Assembly District, which spans South Buffalo, half of the city of Lackawanna, West Seneca and Orchard Park, all within the state of New York.
“With our region experiencing significant investment, and our young entrepreneurs evolving and being creative, the time could not be better to establish solid links with an international partner such as Mayo County Council,” Kearns said this morning, “to acknowledge this connection through Irish Network Buffalo, it is with great pleasure that I announce Niagara Falls will turn the green and red of Mayo in celebration of the first ever International Mayo Day on May 2.” “What better way to celebrate than by turning one of the natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls, to the county colors of our new international partner.”
Kiltimagh native, and Chairperson of Irish Network Buffalo, Padraic Walsh, also attended this morning’s announcement. “What fantastic news that Niagara Falls will be illuminated in the green and red of Co. Mayo so to help us celebrate our connections with Mayo County Council. There are 9.3 million people around the world with Co. Mayo roots, with many of them arriving into Western New York, and Southern Ontario. For Niagara Falls to recognize the contribution of these men and women by lighting up in green and red for Mayo Day is a credit to the Irish Diaspora from around the world. Where would Mayo, and Irish people be without the tireless work of Assemblyman Michael Kearns? He embraced this project from the very beginning. For our own economy to remain strong, and to grow, we need to be reaching out across the Atlantic to our friends in Ireland. With links established between Mayo County Council, and Irish Network Buffalo, it is a leap in the right direction, and we look forward to many years of international collaboration between Western New York and Co. Mayo,” Walsh said this morning. Irish Network Buffalo is the local chapter of the umbrella group, Irish Network USA. Built through volunteers to allow members of the networks connect with their peers and to develop relationships that will foster success in their business, economic, cultural and sports ventures.
Many well-wishers have contacted Assemblyman Kearns and Padraic Walsh to congratulate them on the official announcement that Niagara Falls will turn green and red for International Mayo Day.
Among the well-wishers was Senator Paddy Burke, Cathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann. Senator Burke said that “It really is a great honor for my home county that a site as magnificent as Niagara Falls will proudly display the green and red of Mayo to mark Mayo Day 2015. The lighting of the Falls will speak volumes for the strength of the bonds between Mayo men and women in Ireland and Western New York and will symbolize the warmth of the relationships the Mayo diaspora has built up with their friends and neighbors in the United States. Well done to Assemblyman Michael Kearns for his success in bringing about this great tribute to our shared Mayo heritage!”
Martina Hughes, from Mayo County Council welcomed the exciting news, saying “Mayo Day is a unique concept for Mayo People around the world to recognize their culture, heritage and all that is great about the County and its people. The opportunity to turn Niagara Falls red and green for the occasion is excellent news and I would like to acknowledge Assembly man Michael Kearns and Padraic Walsh in their efforts in this regard.”
Local Mayo TD, Michelle Mulherin sent along her congratulations this morning, “‘to have the iconic Niagara Falls flowing green and red on May 2nd has to be a dream event to celebrate the inaugural Mayo Day 2015. To all our Mayo and Irish diaspora and friends in Western New York and to Assemblyman Kearns thanks for making it happen! And come visit Mayo soon!”
Another local Mayo TD, Dara Calleary is quoted saying “I am thrilled that the iconic Niagara Falls will be decked out in the green and red of Mayo for the first Mayo day. This is a wonderful acknowledgment of the great contribution made by the Mayo diaspora to the state of New York and to the USA for many generations and an endorsement of the strong ties that exist today. Well done to all involved!”
Tony Hennigan, director of Mayo Manchester, said this morning that “it’s fantastic to see our friends in Buffalo spearheading the Mayo Day celebrations by getting Niagara Falls turned Green and Red. I would like to congratulate Padraic Walsh and Assemblyman Michael Kearns in making this happen. We now look forward to seeing New York and the rest of the world following their example.”
In summing up at this morning’s event, Assemblyman Michael Kearns, and Irish Network Buffalo Chairperson, Padraic Walsh, acknowledged that “what started as a simple tweet from Tony Hennigan, Mayo Manchester, has quickly grown into a solid international partnership.” The City of Buffalo, and the greater Western New York region is excited for the future through this new international connection. Irish Network Buffalo is looking forward to hosting many Mayo events in the future, while helping promote Mayo Business, and Mayo Tourism. Our group is also looking forward to welcoming Co. Mayo dignitaries, businesses, colleagues, friends, and hopefully an Taoiseach, Enda Kenny to our region in the future.
Assemblyman Michael Kearns, and Irish Network Buffalo would like to wish all Mayo people worldwide a happy and safe Mayo Day 2015.
For more information:
Irish Network Buffalo
122 North Pearl Street
Buffalo, New York 14202
(716) 244-8912