Weir will be first to welcome Biden to Mayo at Ireland West Airport today

THE cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Seamus Weir, will have the honour of being the first person to greet President Joe Biden on his arrival in Mayo at Ireland West Airport Knock this afternoon.

Speaking ahead of a busy day of engagements for President Biden across the county, Councillor Weir said: “As the first citizen of Mayo, it will be an honour and a privilege to welcome President Biden to the county of his ancestors, on behalf of the people of Mayo.

“To be the cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council and have the pleasure of being the person who will welcome President Biden to our great county is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

“We are honoured to have the President of the United States grace our county with his presence, and we look forward to showing him the beauty, culture, and hospitality that make Mayo such a special place.”

Councillor Weir said he was looking forward to hosting President Biden in Ballina this evening for his address at St. Muredach's Cathedral, which promises to be 'a once in a lifetime event for the county and its people'.

He commented: “President Biden’s roots in our county are well known and celebrated. We are proud to count President Biden as one of our own, and we take great pride in his and his family’s accomplishments, which have seen a son of Mayo rise to the role of President of the United States.

“We also recognise the importance of President Biden’s Irish heritage and the legacy of the millions of Irish immigrants who left our shores for a new life across the Atlantic.

“President Biden’s visit to Mayo is a powerful symbol of that connection and a reminder of the enduring ties between our two nations.”