A host of VIPs turned out in force to help launch the start of the Mayo North and Manchester Mayo Gathering on Thursday August 1. The UK's Lib Dem MP of the Year, John Leech, who is the coalition government’s spokesperson for Sport, Media, Tourism and Culture, flew in to help launch the event. He was greeted on his arrival in Attymass by Ballycong resident, 95-year-old Annie Hennigan.
Deputy Michelle Mulherin in her official speech to open the festival said: “Everyone involved in the Gathering both in Mayo and Manchester has worked really hard. They have all put in a tremendous amount of time and effort into making this festival a tremendous success.”
MP John Leech added: “Manchester and Mayo have always had strong links and this year’s event has just made those links even stronger.”
Tony Hennigan from the Manchester Mayo Group commented: “It has been just over a year in its planning but we are delighted that the festival has been recognised as not just the biggest in Mayo, but Tourism Ireland have recognised it as the biggest in Ireland. The unique partnership between the Mayo North Tourism group and Manchester has been the secret of its success. It is also great to see that the hotels and tourism industry in North Mayo have given its visitors such great value for money.”
The week long festival, which has 120 events organised, runs until today (Friday August 9 ).
