This article is from page 35 of the 2007-03-20 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 35 JPG
THE importance of Shannon airport being used by US tourists flying in to Ireland was stressed by the mayor of Shannon, during a visit to New Jer- oN SMA (e151.
Councillor Tony McMahon (La- bour) accompanied Shannon Town Clerk Tomas MacCormaic to Eliza- beth, a town in New Jersey, during a four-day visit. While there, they at- tended two St Patrick’s Day parades – one in Elizabeth and the other in Woodbridge – and met several Clare people living in the US.
A relationship between Shannon and this particular area of New Jer- sey was forged over a decade ago. The link was initially developed between firemen at Shannon airport and the policemen’s association in Elizabeth and the communication has continued over the years.
A delegation from Shannon has been invited to visit the annual pa- rade in Elizabeth, each year.
Mr McMahon and Mr Mac Cor- maic attended a number of Irish- American gatherings, during their visit. Up to 40,000 attended one of the parades, while almost 60,000 at-
tended the other parade.
“It was a great experience and was useful and beneficial. Good contacts were built up during the trip,” said Cllr McMahon.
“IT had an opportunity to address the organising committees of the parades. I stressed the importance of visiting Ireland and using the Shan- non stop,” he said.
‘They were very positive, when I explained the situation to them. I _Wucd VCore MO OTs Imm MeL eam oN LO Ni moley lean Ceat-0 MU OND ets. for American tourists was to fly in to Clare. The Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle and other areas in the west
and south west are very accessible from Shannon,” he added.
He also encouraged the Americans to look favourably on the campaign by Irish illegal immigrants.
The mayor met a number of Clare men and women who have settled in the US. He was particularly pleased to re-acquaint himself with a neigh- bour from his native Flagmount, Michael Williams, who emigrated almost 40 years ago.
SW alomm enki) umrctelCmm coy sme) (<0 Gru BAVere! back on Shannon soil last week, in time for the Shannon St Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday.