Praise for 'phenomenal' Mayo Day celebrations at home and abroad

Thousands celebrated Mayo Day in Belmullet during what was a carnival atmosphere and a hugely memorable and enjoyable event.

To celebrate Mayo Day turning 10, Mayo County Council organised a series of Mayo Day events to mark the milestone, at home and abroad.

The flagship event took place in the beautiful town of Belmullet to coincide with the Belmullet 200 celebrations that are taking place over the year.

Special events were also held at Chicago Gaelic Park to mark the occasion and they were well attended on Saturday.

The idea to host the Mayo Day celebration in Belmullet was proposed by Cathaoirleach Westport Belmullet Municipal District Sean Carey and unanimously supported by Mayo County Council.

Local Fine Gael Councillor Gerry Coyle, who also strongly supported the proposal, said the celebrations on Saturday exceeded their expectations.

"There was great entertainment and thousands of people and huge crowds," he said. "People came from all over the county and they came from long distances outside the county."

Cllr Coyle praised the large number of volunteers and local authority staff who made the event possible.

"Absolutely it exceeded our expectations but it could not have done that but for the voluntary groups and Mayo County Council's indoor and outdoor staff in Belmullet," he said. "Every one of them should take a bow and take credit for the day because it was absolutely phenomenal."

The Mayo Day music stage was located in the heart of Belmullet town centre in Carter Square from 12-noon and it continued into the early evening with something for everyone to get their toes tapping.

The Hit Machine Drummers started proceedings, with Mayo Day favourites Boxing Banjo, Stuart Moyles, local act Trad Lib and Gerry Guthrie providing the entertainment throughout the day.

Thee dockside was transformed into a food lover’s delight, with the ever-popular food village not only showcasing the best of locally produced food and drinks, but it also hosted some of the finest chefs in the region who demonstrated their culinary skills to the audience.

Meanwhile, on Barrack Street there was fantastic offerings from the crafters of Mayo with everything from knits to artwork on offer and display.

There was also a fantastic display of classic and vintage motors, while just a short walk away, Áras Inis Gluaire became a hub of art, family entertainment, food vans and the ever-popular displays from the Mayo Fire Service.

Cllr Coyle also commended the Gardaí and the Civil Defence who he said were outstanding.

"The food, the hospitality and the behaviour of everybody that were there was first class," he added.