Mayos in Manchester kick off St. Patrick's celebrations

THE Mayo Diaspora were out in force in Manchester at the weekend to promote the west of Ireland in the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Pictured here getting ready to join the parade, holding the Mayo Association of Manchester banner, were Lawrence Hennigan from Attymass, one of the directors of Mayo Manchester, and Tom O’Malley from Louisburgh, the new chair of the Mayo Association, and his son Lorcan.They were joined by other members of the association and the Manchester Phoenix Pipe Band who led them on the two-hour parade from the Irish World Heritage Centre into Albert Square in the city centre.

Lawrence was joined by his nephew David Hennigan from Manchester Irish TV who filmed the event and captured all the highlights of this year’s celebration.

Asked about the event, Lawrence said it had been a great opportunity to promote Mayo and the upcoming Mayo Manchester Tradfest which takes place this summer in Ballina from July 29 to August 3. The festival is being supported by Fáilte Ireland, Ballina Chamber, Mayo.ie and the Mayo Manchester Business and Tourism Group.

Already confirmed as participants are the Keegan Academy School of Irish Dancing and the Fianna Phadraig Pipe Band.

For more information about the Mayo Manchester Tradfest and how to get involved, visit www.mayomanchester.com.