Ballina councillors to visit Scranton for St Patrick's Day
Former US President Joe Biden, a native of Scranton, can trace his ancestral roots to Ballina. Picture: AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta
Ballina Municipal District will be represented when the city of Scranton in the United States holds its St Patrick’s Day celebrations next year.
Last week’s municipal district meeting heard that the Cathaoirleach Cllr Jarlath Munnelly had received correspondence from Ray Lynady, the executive director of the St Patrick’s Parade Association of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, extending an invitation to members of Mayo Co Council for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Scranton in 2026
Mr Lynady said the association was looking forward to hosting representatives from Ballina as it has done for more than a quarter of a century.
“One of the highlights we look forward to is hosting representatives from Ballina, a tradition which started over 25 years ago when Cathaoirleach PJ Downey and his wife Peg travelled to Scranton,” he wrote. “The Downeys' visit began our long affiliation with Ballina as a sister city.”
Mr Lynady expressed condolences on the recent passing of Peg Downey.
“She was well loved by all and we looked forward to her yearly visits.”
It was agreed that two councillors will be sent to Scranton along with two members of the council executive staff.
