Taoiseach-in-waiting Enda Kenny will get an early opportunity to meet his Mayo brethren from all over the world when he attends a major worldwide Mayo convention in May.
Leading figures from Mayo expatriate communities all over the world are set to descend on the old county for the convention, which will take place in Westport.
And the organisers have confirmed that Mr Kenny, who is expected to be elected Taoiseach later this month, will be a guest of honour at the event.
‘Power by Land and Sea – a Future for our People’ is the theme of the world Mayo convention which will attract over 100 overseas delegates from Mayo Associations worldwide on the weekend of May 27-29.
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, who are jointly organising the event along with the Muintir Mhaigheo Gaillimh (Mayo Association in Galway ).
“We are delighted that Mr Kenny will be one of our guests, and it certainly adds to the status of the event. It is a great source of pride for Mayo people everywhere that we now have a Taoiseach from the county.”
The convention will feature workshops on indigenous and multi-national enterprise in Mayo, and will explore the prospects for energy creation being the key to the county’s future.
President Mary 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. It is one way we can give something back by prompting public discourse, and hopefully some interesting suggestions will emerge,” added Mr Duffy.
More details will be revealed in the coming weeks.
