A historic homecoming could soon be on the cards as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is considering a personal and symbolic visit to County Mayo, where both his grandparents were born and raised.
Minister Alan Dillon confirmed that early high-level discussions are underway following a meeting in Mayo with Canadian Ambassador Dennis King, raising hopes of a visit to his ancestral roots.
Prime Minister Carney’s grandfather Robert Carney hailed from Ayle in Aghagower, which is near Westport, while Robert’s wife Nora Moran came from nearby Mace.
Both Nora and Robert attended Knockrooskey National School in Knockrooskey, Co Mayo.
Minister Dillon says there is genuine interest in making this happen and he fully supports any Government effort to facilitate a visit of this magnitude.
While no official confirmation has been made yet, there is a strong interest in organising a future visit.
Minister Dillon says a visit of this kind would carry huge symbolic significance for the people of Mayo.
He has been giving more details to Midwest Radio’s Michael D. McAndrew….
