Cllrs propose inviting US delegation to Louth for St Brigid's Day

A proposal to invite a delegation from New York to Dundalk next year, to celebrate St Brigid's Day and showcase Louth, was put to councillors at the Louth County Council April meeting, with the idea receiving support from members present.

A number of councillors at the monthly meeting had voiced their opposition to a suggestion that Louth County Council invite New York dignitaries to Dundalk for St Patrick's Day next year, instead of Louth representatives travelling to New York for its St Patrick's Day parade, but an idea that they be invited to Dundalk for St Brigid's Day was welcomed.

Cllr Maeve Yore had raised the matter initially, asking first what the cost was to Louth County Council for this year's trip to New York, and then asked “if the Chairs, Mayors and Council management be agreeable and consider inviting the New York Society and tourist operators here to showcase Louth next year”, following on from the success of US President Biden's visit and to build on the “huge tourist opportunities”.

In response, Director of Services Thomas McEvoy said that the cost of the New York trip had not yet been calculated but they would pull the figures together.

Responding to the suggestion to inviting New York dignitaries to Dundalk for St Patrick's Day, Chief Executive Joan Martin said that they could look into the suggestion, but added there was a long standing tradition of New York inviting the Council.

Ms Martin went on to say that it was very difficult to explain to someone who hasn't been there, “the importance to the Louth men in New York of having people and having the Chair of their county there. The impact of it is beyond belief.”

The Chief Executive commented on the impact she saw on the public of seeing people in the parade wearing chains (mayors and cathaoirligh) and added, "I'm sure those who have been there would attest to that. I was shocked at how much it means to people and how important it is to them that people from Ireland are joining them in their parade.”

Ms Martin went on to say that while she would not be averse to inviting them to Dundalk, “I wouldn't like to say to them, we don't want to be invited out. It's hugely important to them.”

Cllr Kevin Meenan, Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District told the meeting that he turned down the invitation in 2004 to attend because he didn't think it would be of benefit, but went this year, adding that he would gladly say that “it is of massive benefit” and that “I learned more in that trip than I ever thought I would learn”.

Cllr Meenan said that they were meeting various boards in New York, with all other county councils “doing the exact same thing” and that they were there “to try and sell Louth”.

“It's massive to them that we're there”, he added, saying that he could see that from the parade, but further added that the work done in the two days beforehand, meeting the various tourism boards, was also important.

Cllr Marianne Butler said she agreed with the Chief Executive and that the visit meant a huge amount to people in New York, mentioning family members in New York and how important it was for her uncle and his son marching in the parade every year in New York.

Cllr Butler went on to say that “Cllr Tomas Sharkey didn't want to say it, but I'm going to say it, because he's after saying it to me, what we could do is invite the lovely people from New York over for St Brigid's Day next year”.

Cllr Paula Butterly said that it was a great idea and she would like to second the proposal.

Cllr Michelle Hall also spoke on the visit to New York saying that as Mayor of Drogheda, it was important to advocate for Drogheda.

Cllr Kevin Callan also supported the New York trip, saying that all the counties are represented at the parade and it would be highly irregular if Louth didn't attend.

He added that he thought it was a great idea for a delegation to visit Louth but not for St Patrick's Day. Support for the trip was also voiced by Cllr Pio Smith.

Cathaoirleach Conor Keelan also spoke on the matter, saying that he found the New York trip very enjoyable, that it was a very important trip and that it was a real privilege to lead the Louth delegation at the parade.

Cllr Keelan added that the first time he was Chair of Dundalk Town Council was during the recession, and he decided not to go to New York that year, and after that, some other councillors followed his precedent. He further added however, that he could safely say that the decision not to attend didn't gain him any votes.