New York Times columnist and Pulitzer Prize winner Maureen Dowd pays a visit on Tuesday June 26.
Maureen Dowd’s maternal grandfather Martin Meeneghan was born in New Street in 1872 and Ger Delaney of the South Mayo Family Research Centre has traced her Meeneghan ancestors back to 1800 and down to her cousins who still live in the Ballinrobe area.
While in Ballinrobe she will lay a wreath at the statue of John King in the Cornmarket. King, who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour on two occasions, is considered one of America’s greatest naval heroes. Miss Dowd will also perform the official launch of the Ballinrobe Town Heritage Walk.
Mayo County Council will also honour her with a civil reception and NUI Galway will confer her with an honorary Degree of Doctor of Literature.
