Mayo descendant set for top Canadian post, but ancestral home still waits for visit

By Caoimhín Rowland

Mark Carney, the former central banker who holds Irish, British and Canadian citizenship, is poised to succeed Justin Trudeau as Canada's Prime Minister in what locals in his ancestral homeland of Aghagower are describing as "our Joe Biden moment."

The 59-year-old financial heavyweight, born in the remote northern outpost of Fort Smith in Canada's Northwest Territories, has consistently acknowledged his deep Mayo roots, with three of his four grandparents hailing from the western county. During his tenure at the Bank of England, Carney kept a map of Mayo displayed prominently in his office, describing his Irish heritage as "a big part of who I am."

It is understood that Carney plans to renounce his Irish and British citizenship as a gesture of commitment to Canada upon assuming the roles as Prime Minister Designate.

In the west Mayo townland of Aille, near Aghagower, just 10km from Westport, the news has been met with pride. John Scott of Scott's Pub in Aghagower told the 'Connaught Telegraph', "This is a really special day for us. His forefathers came from a townland called Aille. He has relations there who have Carney's Quarry."

The familial connections run deep. Carney's grandfather, Robert, and grandmother, Norah Moran, originated from a modest farmstead in Aille. While Mark Carney's father visited about four decades ago, the incoming Canadian premier has yet to make the pilgrimage to his ancestral homeland.

"It's a good news story for Aghagower, for Mayo and for Ireland," Scott added, noting the significant Irish-Canadian diaspora connection with an estimated 4.5 million Canadians – about 15 percent of the population – claiming Irish ancestry. "Especially at a time when Donald Trump is so divisive, the fight of the Canadians against Trump is great to see."

Not everyone in the extended Carney clan is swept up in the excitement, however. Pat Carney (95), whose uncle was Mark Carney's grandfather Robert, offered a more measured response when asked about his first cousin's son ascending to lead one of the world's largest nations.

"I'm not one bit excited," the elderly relative remarked with a dry charm. "We'd love to see him but he'll be a busy man."

Carney family lore has it that Robert Carney left for Canada and his girlfriend, Nora Moran from Mace, Aghagower, was "sent for" afterwards. He joined the Mounties and returned to Ireland just once.

While the Irish state previously presented the then-governor of the Bank of England with a poster of Aghagower parish, the prospects of a prime ministerial homecoming appear remote as Carney prepares to navigate contentious tariff disputes with the Trump administration and an impending general election.