Louth councillor's NY trip for St Patrick's Day 'a truly memorable occasion'

Cllr Dolores Minogue has said she was “delighted” to attend the St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York, as part of Louth County Council's delegation for the annual St Patrick's Day celebrations, saying it was “a truly memorable occasion celebrating Irish culture on a global stage”.

Cllr Minogue said that a “special moment came when the parade host gave a shout-out to the crowds, inviting everyone to visit Ardee.

“Hearing our town and community mentioned to such a large international audience was a proud occasion and a wonderful showcase of all that Ardee and mid Louth have to offer”.

Tommy Smith, a native of Knockbridge in Louth, recently marked his 35th year as the official commentator for New York’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. During the visit, Cllr Minogue said she had the honour alongside Cathaoirleach, Cllr Seán Kelly, of presenting Tommy with a Louth GAA jersey, signed by the victorious Leinster team.

Cllr Minogue said that “Tommy proudly held the jersey aloft on American television for all to see, creating a truly special moment and a great source of pride for Louth on the world stage.”

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The Fine Gael councillor said she would like to “sincerely thank Chairperson Seán McClean and the County Board for kindly supplying the jersey to me, an excellent representation of the pride of Louth”,

Cllr Minogue said that she was also “delighted to present Tourism Ireland with gifts from Ardee, along with a fantastic book written by Father Michael Murtagh, Lock Down Louth and Other Stories, which was very well received. Thanks to O’Brien’s Stationery in Ardee.”

According to Cllr Minogue, the trip also included “valuable engagements” with IDA Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland.

“These were very positive meetings, helping to ensure that Ardee, mid Louth, and County Louth continue to be recognised internationally as open for business and full of opportunity.”

She added that “it was great to meet fellow Ardonians who have made a life for themselves in New York: Barry Kilcoyne, Bernadette Smith, Terri Crawley, and Derek Curtis.

“Overall, it was a fantastic visit and a proud occasion to promote Ardee and mid Louth to a global audience.”