It is a great pleasure for me as Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council on behalf of the elected members of the council to wish everyone in Westport and Mayo a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. I would also like to extend a special welcome to all those originally from Mayo who have come back to visit their families over the Christmas period and to say welcome home.
From a Westport point of view, recent success at the Mayo People of the Year Awards is testament to the talent and community effort which exists in the town and I would like to congratulate all the winners and wish them future success. It was great to see unsung heroes such as our own Nancy Glavey and Gina Heraty among others recognised for their service to the community both here and abroad.
Also Westport’s success at the Mayo Business Awards illustrates how a number of hotels and businesses remain at the top of their game and it was great to see Michael and Bridie Moran awarded the Chamber Recognition for Industry award which was well deserved. This year in particular has seen the Chamber of Commerce launch a number of initiatives including the inaugural “Shop n Spraoi” traditional Christmas markets, and the work of the chamber together with organisations like Gnó Mhaigheo, Westport Tourism, and Destination Westport is very important to the town. It is essential that new initiatives continue to be launched so that despite the economic challenges Westport can continue to succeed on the commercial side.
I would also like to warmly thank the tidy town organisation which, through its committee and all the volunteers and businesses which support it, has kept Westport not only on the national map but also on the international stage. Also, 2009 saw the hosting of a number of conferences including the Network Ireland Women in Business Conference and a National Disability Conference which raised the profile of the town. It has also been a productive year in the arts and music in the town, and whether it is the many acts in the arts festival or the WAMP production by the Carrowbeg Enterprise Group, Westport continues to perform at a high level.
On the sporting side, the memory of witnessing Westport capture the Mayo intermediate football championship for the first time in almost 40 years in McHale Park stands out. Also, watching the Ireland team beat England in an international boxing tournament hosted by St Anne’s boxing club, led by world champion Ray Moylette and national title holder Danny Coughlan, both of Westport, was a very proud moment.
There will be a number of significant challenges ahead in 2010 including economic and law and order ones which will take a big community effort to overcome. The key to overcoming such challenges and the key to Westport’s success in the past is a partnership approach among the different organisations in the town.
Finally, I would ask that everyone keep in their thoughts Mayo families who have suffered bereavements this year and my very best wishes to all of the Mayo people who are ill at home or in hospital at Christmas.
As the first citizen of Westport town, it is my pleasure to wish all Mayo people both here and abroad a very happy and safe Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
