Leading figures from Mayo expat communities all over the world are set to descend on the old county for a major Mayo convention in May – and the official opening will be performed by President of Ireland, Mary McAleese.
Power by Land and Sea – a Future for our People is the theme of the world Mayo convention which will attract more than 100 overseas delegates from Mayo associations worldwide. The convention will take place in Westport from May 27 to 29. The county has long had an emigration tradition, and the worldwide convention reflects a desire by expats to give something back to their native county. “This is our 11th worldwide convention, and the previous conventions have always had a theme of enterprise and employment. Given Ireland’s economic difficulties in recent times, it is appropriate that this year’s convention should adopt a similar theme,” said Brendan Duffy of the Mayo Association Dublin.
The convention will feature workshops on indigenous and multinational enterprise in Mayo, and will explore the prospects for energy creation being the key to the county’s future. President McAleese will perform the official opening on Saturday morning, and all workshop sessions on that day are open to members of the public.
“We want to create discussion and debate on some of the key issues facing the county of Mayo,” Mr Duffy said. “It is one way we can give something back by prompting public discourse, and hopefully some interesting suggestions will emerge.”
