Legacy of First Lady with Mayo roots celebrated on St. Patrick's Day
THE legacy of First Lady Pat Nixon has been celebrated this St. Patrick's Day.
Mrs. Nixon's ancestral roots are in Robeen, Hollymount, and she paid a visit to south Mayo in October 1970.
Pat Nixon was born on March 16, 1912 - a day shy of St. Patrick’s Day. Her father, Will Ryan, decided to observe her birthday one day late, dubbing her “my St. Patrick’s Babe in the morning.”
Her paternal grandparents, Patrick Sarsfield Ryan and Catherine McHugh, had left for America shortly after marrying in Robeen Church, outside Ballinrobe.
Continuing the tradition started by her family, the Richard Nixon Foundation’s annual Pat Nixon Day of Service was held again this year on St. Patrick’s Day.
In honour of the First Lady's commitment to service, her annual birthday commemoration features a community involvement fair, which connects visitors with ways to give back to the community while showcasing many of the causes that she championed, including 4H, American Cancer Society, Inc., American Legion, American Red Cross, Girl Scouts of USA, Veterans Canine Intelligence Academy and Town and Gown of USC.
A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the First Lady’s memorial site, featuring remarks from Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40th); Dr. Vikki Shepp, CEO of Girl Scouts of Orange County; Mary Hall, board member of USC Town and Gown; Tamara Martin, Director of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum; Joe Lopez, Acting President and CEO of the Richard Nixon Foundation; and an invocation from Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Pastor at Friendship Baptist Church.
Speakers highlighted the First Lady’s commitment to volunteerism.
During her visit to Mayo, among the cousins Mrs. Nixon met were Catherine Naughton, Lynch’s Acres, Ballygarries, Joe Fahey, Robeen, Hollymount, Mrs. P. Cusack, Loughmask, Mrs. J. McTigue, New Street, Ballinrobe, James Cunningham, Hollymount, and Annie Walsh, who led a reception for Mrs. Nixon at Robeen Church.
Her visit included a trip to the Ryan ancestral homestead in Kilvindoney and to Robeen Cemetery where her ancestors are buried. It ended with a luncheon that included all of her cousins at Ashford Castle.