Canadian Prime Minister visits birthplace of Mayo grandparents

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said his “remarkable welcome” to his grandparent’s birthplace in Aughagower, Co Mayo is “a welcome for Canada.”

The Canadian Prime Minister began his day with a meeting with Irish President Catherine Connolly and delegates from both nations at Westport House.

From there, Prime Minister Carney travelled out to Aughagower where a large swell of locals and dignitaries including An Taoiseach Michéal Martin, Minister Dara Calleary and Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Sean Carey gathered to greet him to the birthplace of his grandparents Robert and Nora (neé Moran) Carney who emigrated to Canada in 1926.

He attended Sunday morning mass before visiting the local cemetery. He then spoke to the gathered Irish, Canadian and world media.

“I feel a strong feeling of kinship between Ireland and Canada,” he said. “It is a special honour to be here.”

“It is a welcome for Canada and what Canada means to so many around the world.”

He said his election as Prime Minister almost 100 years following the emigration of his grandparents “represents what’s possible in Canada.”

Prime Minister Carney then planted an Irish Oak tree in Aughagower alongside his wife Diana which he described as a “perfect commemoration.”

He will now attend a Civic Reception hosted by Mayo County Council in Westport Town Hall later this evening.