Mayo delegation visit France on bicentenary of death of General Humbert

A DELEGATION from Mayo has visited France for a commemoration marking the bicentenary of the death of General Humbert.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Seamus Weir, together with Councillor Jarlath Munnelly and Kevin Kelly, chief executive of Mayo County Council, were invited to St. Nabord in France to celebrate the bicentenary.

The Mayor of St. Nabord, Humbert's hometown, hosted the delegation to commemorate Humbert who landed in Killala and led the French forces along with Irish volunteers during the 1798 rebellion in Mayo. Humbert died in New Orleans in the USA in 1823, aged 56.

During their visit the delegation together with the Irish Ambassador visited Humbert’s birthplace and took part in the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to General Humbert and the planting of a Liberty Tree in the town.

The visit also facilitated discussion with political and business representatives from the Vosges region on the opportunities for further reinforcing the linkages between Mayo and the area around St. Nabord, particularly as regards heritage, culture, education and business.

Said Councillor Weir about the visit: “There is a long and proud shared history between Mayo and St. Nabord, thanks to the deeds of one of their sons here in Mayo in the pursuit of Irish freedom.

“It is important that we celebrate and renew these connections and work together to develop a shared future which along with remembering the past can be used to create a bright and prosperous future for both.”