WHEREAS, In 1905, three men from Mayo, John O’Neill of Foxford, Martin Clark of Castlebar and John Green of Newport, wrote the constitution for the Mayo Men’s Association of Philadelphia with John O’Neill being named President; and
WHEREAS, By 1914, the membership had grown to over 500 and the main purpose of the organization was to welcome ships departing from Ireland and traveling to Philadelphia. The Men of Mayo would greet the young travelers who didn’t have any family or friends to introduce them to the ways of their new world; and
WHEREAS, In 1964, women were admitted into the Association which changed its name to the Mayo Association of Philadelphia. In 1981, Attracta O’Malley became the first female president of the Association; and
WHEREAS, The Association is comprised of immigrants and descendants of emigrants from the wonderful County of Mayo; and
WHEREAS, The Mayo Association has helped numerous people and causes throughout its existence including donations to aid in the construction of the shrine in Knock, County Mayo and raising over $60,000.00 for the Western Care Organization in Castlebar, Aras Attracta in Swinford, County Mayo and St. John of God in Westville, New Jersey. These organizations help mentally and physically challenged children; and
WHEREAS, The men and women of Mayo have also supported disadvantaged around the world including the Kosovo Relief Fund and the famine relief fund in Somalia. Locally, the Association donated $10,000.00 to “The Irish Memorial” at Penn’s Landing, dedicated to the memory of the over one million Irish who perished during the years 1845-1850; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby commend and congratulate the Mayo Association on the occasion its 100th Anniversary.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Frank X. Cantwell, the 47th President of the Mayo Association as evidence of the sincere sentiments and recognition of this legislative body.
End