US congressman goes back to his roots in Easkey
A democratic Congressman from the US city of Philadelphia will pay a special visit the Sligo coastal village of Easkey later this month.
Congressman Brendan Boyle who has connections to the area is due to arrive on August 15 th.
Margaret Conlon of the Easkey Community Council was able to give a brief history of his family tree detailing the US politician’s links to the area.
She said: “Brendan has great connections with Cloonenmore, Rathlee, Easkey.
“His Maternal grandparents and great grandmother are all from Cloonenmore.
“Brendan’s maternal Great Grandmother Mary Ellen Harrison, Cooga, married a Mayo man, Michael Walsh.
“Their son Josie Walsh married Celia Wall and they immigrated to the USA. They had one daughter, Eileen, now deceased.
“She married Frances Boyle, a Donegal man, and they in turn had two sons - Brendan and Kevin.”
Margaret said the community is delighted to host such an esteemed visitor and is looking forward to the occasion. She encouraged locals to turn up on the day to give the congressman a ‘great Sligo welcome.’
“He will be in Easkey Community Centre at 10am on the morning of the 15 th August. Anybody that wishes to come to meet and greet him will be most welcome,” she said.
The Democrat will undoubtedly be impressed with his Irish heritage and the beauty of the West Sligo countryside from where his ancestors came.
Margaret is determined that the community council will put its best foot forward with regard to the visit. “It’s not every day we get a US Government congressman in town and especially not one with such strong links to our village and surrounding area. We will make sure that he leaves Easkey with the best possible impression and of course great memories to take home,” she said.