Legendary movie is catalyst for novel Mayo proposal
John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara in The Quiet Man.
A Mayo councillor has called for a formal twinning arrangement between the village of Cong and the US state of Iowa.
Cllr Damien Ryan made the proposal at a recent meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District, noting that next year marks the 75th anniversary of the release of the legendary movie , starring John Wayne, who was born in Winterset, Iowa.
Cllr Ryan told the meeting that a twinning plan between Cong and Winterset had stalled from years before but now the Mayor of Iowa had sent a letter requesting that the link be formalised, which the community in Cong supports. He said the 75th anniversary of the movie is “a golden opportunity to connect with the United States and Iowa and the fact the appetite is there from the authorities in Iowa, makes it very important that we proceed".
Cllr Ryan said there are so many positives to the Ireland-US relationship with more to come from formalising the link, adding that there has been an increase in visitor to Cong since the statue was installed.
“We already have areas in the US that have large Mayo contingents and people always say they want to come back and this would be another win-win for the village of Cong and the municipal district.”
Cllr Michael Burke supported the motion, describing it as a very important one, adding: “What has done for Cong and South Mayo and tourism in general is amazing. I have met people who told me they stayed here as young people in the hostel and now they come to Cong and stay in Ashford Castle, totally because of connection.
"We have certain things that work for us in South Mayo, such as our lakes and our hotels, and is very much part of that and particularly with the 75th anniversary, I would love to see the link progress as I know Ashford Castle and the village of Cong would too. The popularity of the movie is even stronger today than it was fifty years ago so I welcome this motion and hope we can progress it because will be a huge benefit to the area.”
Cllr Pasty O’Brien said the reputation of the Red Carnation Group and its Mayo hotels of Ashford Castle and the Lodge at Ashford have grown the reputation of Cong worldwide and the formal request from the Mayor of Iowa to twin with the village is great news.
Cllr Adrian Forkan said he supported anything from a tourism point of view that will help South Mayo, adding that the amount of tourism Cong generates is huge.
“When you are out in America talking to people, they all talk about wanting to come back to Ireland and the more we can further that the better.”
Cllr Richard Finn also supported the motion, saying Mayo is lucky to have Cong, while the head of the municipal district Padraig Flanagan said council management will follow up with the Mayor of Iowa in regard to formalising the twinning arrangement.
- Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
