Castlebar Rotary Club members presenting cheque to Mayo Emigrants Liaison Committee (proceeds from the Mel Gibson Film Premiere "What Women Want"). L to R: Front: Martin McGarrigle, President Rotary Club Castlebar, James O'Malley of the Mayo Emigrants Liaison Committee, Henry McGlade, Vice President Rotary Club of Castlebar, Tom McAndrew, Mayo Emigrants Liaison Committee. Back: Tommy Collins, Tommy Moylett, Seamus Moneley, John Kilcullen, Paddy O'Brien and John McHugh. Photo Michael Donnelly

James O'Malley and Tom McAndrew of the Mayo Emigrants Liaison Committee speaking to members of Castlebar Rotary Club concerning their work on receipt of a cheque from the club.

Supporting Elderly Mayo Emigrants

Many Mayo emigrants left Ireland in the 50s and 60s and worked on the roads or building sites while they were physically fit and able. While most Irish emigrants did very well in the UK some did not 'make it' and, for example, they may be living in very poor conditions, may be incredibly lonely, and it is even reported that some have died virtually unknown in their adopted communities in England and have been buried in paupers' graves. The Mayo Emigrants Liaison Committee are helping to support these elderly Mayo emigrants to the UK who have fallen on hard times. The Committee aims to give opportunities to such emigrants to return to Ireland on holiday and perhaps to return altogether should they so wish. Approximately 60 elderly emigrants will be brought home on holiday to Mayo this summer, for example. They have also recently supported Simon Community in London where a high proportion of down and outs are Irish. The Rotary Club of Castlebar ran a film premiere in Mayo Movie World earlier this year and a significant portion of the proceeds was used to support the Mayo Emigrants Liaison Committee. The Rotary Club wish to thank all those who supported the film night and this worthy cause as well as other local charities supported by Rotary. For more details see the Rotary Club's main Web Site here on the Castlebar web site.