Find out about the Calderdale - Mayo Twin Link Society.
Population
- 130,552 people (2011 Census).
- Main Towns (2006 Census):
- Castlebar (17,891 people).
- Ballina (10,146 people).
- Westport (6,598 people).
Location
The West coast of Ireland.
The Council
- 31 elected members.
Socio-economic aspects
The main work is farming, which makes up 31% of the workforce. This is reducing, while industry (23%) and services sectors (46%) jobs are on the increase.
The trend for County Mayo shows people moving from rural areas to the urban centres.
Tourism is growing very fast and is a large employer in the services sector. The area is well known for its scenery and good environment (both physical and social).
Transport
Road: The network connects to all major centres in Ireland, with National Primary routes to Dublin, Sligo and Galway.
Rail: The mainline service from Dublin to Westport covers most main towns in the County.
Air: Horan Airport, in the heart of Mayo, has flights to Britain and Europe, as well as transatlantic.
Tourism
There are many places of interest on its long and beautiful coastline:
- The best salmon fishing in Europe is on the river Moy and the lakes of Lough Conn and Cullen.
- The village of Cong, lakes and rivers have been made famous by the film 'The quiet man'.
- The Holy Shrine at Knock, which sees two million pilgrims visit each year.
Website
Calderdale - Mayo Twin Link Society
In autumn 1989, two county Mayo men sat together at the All Ireland Final in Dublin. They were Joe Kneafsey (then Mayor of Calderdale) and Michael McDonnell, who were both long-time residents of Calderdale.
They thought it a good idea to link their adopted home and their native home of County Mayo. A long shot, maybe! At that game, but the seeds were sown. Now there is a flourishing organisation known as 'The Calderdale Mayo Twin Link Society'.
On 16th February 1990, the charter was signed in the county hall in Castlebar, County Mayo. This was between the Mayor of Calderdale and the Chairman of Mayo County Council, Mr PJ Morley. It was done in the presence of:
- The Chief Executive of Calderdale, Mr Michael Ellison;
- and the leader of the Council Group, Councillor Joe Tolan.
There were 76 people in the Calderdale group, who covered a wide spectrum of society in the area. Mayo County Council gave a civic reception to the visitors, with functions arranged at many venues in the county. This was a weekend that will be long remembered by those fortunate enough to be present. The generosity was matched by the welcome wherever they went and the weekend passed all too quickly.
On 8th May 1990, there was a return visit to Calderdale. This was a party of 22 officers from Mayo County Council, led by Mr PJ Morley. They were accorded a civic reception, which created much interest. There were also social events, including visits to industrial sites and general business undertakings in Calderdale.
- The tourist areas, were very much appreciated.
- The Mayor's Ball at the Civic Theatre was a highlight.
- Also, a visit to St Columba's Church for Sunday Mass. Here, the visitor were welcomed by the Ryburn School Band playing popular Irish airs. There was also the red and green Mayo Flag flying. Mr Morley said that he was overcome with pride and joy at such a wonderful welcome. He later addressed the congregation in a truly impressive speech.
These are only a few of the many things done in the short space of time since the launch.
In 2013, a large coach party from Calderdale visited County Mayo in support of "The Gathering 2013".
Contact
To get involved, please get in touch with the chairman:
- Mr Michael McDonnell, Chairman
- Telephone: 01422 373626
- 'The Lilacs'
5 Daleside
Halifax
HX4 8QD