Castlebar Mayor Kevin Guthrie hit back at critics of his decision to go to England for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Mayor Guthrie told the monthly meeting of the local authority: “The reason I am going is because I spent a lot of time with the group who came over here. They invited myself, Cllr Gavin, and Cllr McCormack who all spent a great deal of time with them when they came over and it would be disrespectful not to take it up.”
Cllr Blackie Gavin supported the Mayor on the issue, saying: “The warmth and the appreciation the group from Bradford showed when they were over here was fantastic, they have been working hard trying to promote Ireland and Irish culture in their community. They have also pre-booked Lough Lannagh Holiday village for 2010 when they plan to return, so it is only fitting that you should accept their invitation to go over for St Patrick’s Day.”
Independent Cllr Michael Kilcoyne informed the meeting that he would not be taking up the invitation to go to Peekskill, New York, this year. He told the meeting: “I got an invitation from the people of Peekskill, New York, to attend their St Patrick’s Day celebrations but I informed them that I would not be coming over this year due to the current economic climate. They then offered to pay for my fare and accommodation over for the trip, which I also turned down, I would just like to express my gratitude to the people of Peekskill for their most generous invitation.”
