Mayo  Association  News

In a small village of Knock, County Mayo in Ireland on August 21, 1879, at about 8 o'clock that evening, Our Lady, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist appeared in a blaze of Heavenly light at the south gable of the Church of St. John the Baptist.  Behind them and a little to the left of St. John was a plain alter. And on the alter was a Cross, and a Lamb with adoring angels.  Our Lady never spoke a word during the apparition.  Her very presence was the message, showing the Irish people her concern for them.

In remembrance of that divine gift of hope given to our Irish ancestors 131 years ago, a very special Our Lady of Knock Mass was held on Sunday, August 15, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at the Irish Center celebrated by Fr. John Flanagan,  Msgr. Joseph McLoone, and Fr. Weber.  The cantor was Theresa Flanagan, accompanied by Pat Sweeney on the piano and Bobby Reynolds on the guitar.

The Mayo Association's patron is Our Lady of Knock.  This past year our association had the statue sculptured by artist Rick Lewis in Knock, Co. Mayo, Ireland.  The statue was blessed before Mass and lead in a procession up to the alter. John Durkan built and decorated the carriage. The statue will be displayed  at the Irish Center later this year.

Sister James Anne Feerick's introduction before Mass put everyone in the spirit of the celebration.  Right before the Offertory - names of sick and deceased members and friends of the Mayo Association were read as candles were brought to the alter, and flowers placed in a vase by Our Lady of Knock statue.

After communion there was a procession, lead by Caitlyn Lotty our Miss Mayo 2010,  and many from the congregation joined the procession.  That is when Theresa sang Our Lady of Knock hymn and it was simply beautiful.  Over 100 were in attendance.
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Annual Mayo Spring Social

Our Annual Mayo Spring Social was held on May 16th at Tip O'Learys in Havertown, Delaware County.  The food, drinks, dancing, and music provided by John Shields made it a good time
for all who attended .
We all have to thank Jane Kane who was responsible for planning this social and doing such a fantastic job. 

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James Feerick
 Honored
for 45 Years of Service

James a member of the Mayo Association and brother of our Chaplin Sr. James Anne was awarded for his 45 years of service to the Irish community through the  AOH Division 65.  He was the Co-Founder and Vice President of the Jimmy McDade Division 4, in Philadelphia, and the first Delaware County AOH Division.

His love for Irish music, and talent playing the piano gave him the opportunity to perform with the All Ireland Orchestra, Irish Hall of Fame musicians, and appeared with the Artane Boys Band from Dublin. He received an award from Our Lady of Fatima Dancers for his dedication to Irish music. These are just some of his accomplishments in Irish Music.

James is also a member of Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Knights of Columbus in Upper Darby, American Legion in Havertown, St. Thomas More Alumni Assoc., and the LaSalle University Explorer Club.

 The Mayo Association is proud to have James as one of our members.

Philadelphia   Rose  of  Tralee  Gala

Congratulations to Attracta O'Malley, this year's honoree of the 2010 Mary O'Connor Spirit Award. The award is presented to someone who displays "spirit" and truth as noted in the Rose of Tralee lyrics "Twas the truth in her eye ever beaming".  About 40 members of the Mayo Association attended the Gala to cheer for Attracta as she received this very meaningful award.

Mayo Association Marching in the 2010 Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade

Thanks to our member John Durkan, while in Ireland,  he represented this association in having the statue made and shipped back to Philadelphia. He also made the carriage for the statue which was used in the parade.

Mayo Association on Facebook                                  Our Annual Christmas Mass and Party

        Mayo Association of Philadelphia

104th  Mayo Ball

 
   Maureen Brett Saxon President of the Mayo Association reported the wonderful evening of the recent Mayo ball.    
     The  104th Annual Mayo Ball was a tremendous success on Saturday, November 7th at The Irish Center.  Strains of wonderful music from The Noel Henry Band from Boston echoed through the Commodore Barry Club as approximately 500 enjoyed the dancing and wonderful events happening.  Many thanks go out to our Chairman Mary Jane Kane, who brought off a wonderful successful Ball!
     Bagpipers brought in to the award-winning Rince Ri dancers, headed up by Olivia Hilpl, a Mayo member.  They entered the crowd with much delight.
     A lovely selection of 12 young ladies entered the Miss Mayo Contest.  It was a most difficult task for judges but the winner was selected.  she is Caitlin Lotty, a graduate of Little Flower High School, currently a student at Newman College, pursuing studies toward a nursing degree.  Our Congratulations to Caitlin our new Miss Mayo 2010.  She was crowned by Colleen Mullarkey, our Miss Mayo 2009.  Thanks, to Pauline O'Neill and Olivia Hilpl, the Co-Chairmen of the Miss Mayo Pageant, which was beautifully directed and organized.
     The President presented Kathleen Murtaugh with the Mary Henry Brady President's Award for 2009, a Mayo Crystal tulip bowl from Co. Mayo. Kathleen, a member of 23 years, was awarded this for her outstanding contributions to the Mayo Association throughout the years.
     Four scholarship winners were announced at the Ball by the president.  One was to receive his award: Brendan Boothman, son of Grace Flanagan.  Other winners were Maura Egan, daughter of Annette Egan, Jacqueline Ford, granddaughter of Tom and Dottie Ford, and Benjamin Nigro, grandson of Joe and Anne Hill.  Each will receive a $250 scholarship award from the Mayo Association.
     A grand time was had by all and ended with a cup of tea and Mayo hospitality before leaving the festivities of the night.  Thanks to our Ball Chairman, Jane Kane, as well as all committee members, for such hard work, which brought fourth a sparkling evening od Irish song, dance and hospitality!!
     Go raibh maith agat!!

     Maureen Brett Saxon, President
     Mayo Association of Philadelphia             

2009  Mary Henry Brady Award 

Inductees to the Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame