This weekend, our native county celebrates the third annual Mayo Day celebrations; a celebration of Mayo.
To celebrate this, the McWilliam Park Hotel will be covered from floor to ceiling in green and red. Pints of Guinness will be dyed, coloured desserts will be made and flags will be hung. Kavanagh’s bar will be decorated to something that will only resemble an all Ireland day. Why not call in to see what the fuss is about and celebrate with us?
So what is Mayo Day? Only a celebration of 'Mayo-ness' in all Mayo Communities. On the 29th April 2017, Mayo people at all over the world, have the opportunity to celebrate all that is great about this progressive, can-do county.
Mayo Day offers an opportunity for Businesses, Communities, Families and Individuals to celebrate who they are and where they come from. The unique concept driven by Mayo County Council, will see events take place in towns and villages around Mayo, as well as many Mayo communities overseas.
Our team here in the McWilliam Park have arranged activities for our customers and staff to partake in on the day.
We are also delighted to offer a 20% discount on bed and breakfast rates
All members of our team will have the opportunity to showcase their county pride by wearing their Mayo jersey on the day.
To celebrate our love of sports and Mayo GAA, a leisure centre membership offer of €99 for 99 days, is available to all Mayo natives (and blow-ins) on the day.
Finally, any customer wearing their proud colours on the day, will be entered into a draw for a three months membership to our Leisure Centre. A proud point to many, our Leisure Centre is frequented by not only one, but many of the Mayo GAA teams.
“It’s not who you are….. it’s what you are born into,
Instantly a member of this family that is with you for life”
- Maria Nolan
As with many hotels in this proud Green and Red county, the majority of staff in the McWilliam Park are Mayo natives. This can lead to many an argument for time off on Match Days. A Galway Native myself, I am a “blow in” to the McWilliam Park. I have asked many of the team “Why is being from Mayo so important to them?” Working my way through Kavanagh’s Bar and the Barista Coffee Dock, I quickly realised that this love of Mayo runs very deep, with a very strong support for the GAA and Gaelic football team. One team member told me “We love it, it’s where we are from and it’s who we are”. Who can put it any simpler than that?
As I kept probing with the more mature staff, the reality of their passion really started to unfold, not only for the county but for all that goes with it. They have a passion for Mayo GAA that can compete with fans of any other county; what I did not expect to find was their passion for the people. To a true native, other Mayo natives are seen as members of their extended family. It is a duty to rally around in the good times and the bad. They show a unique support and love for everything and anything Mayo ranging from Large Attractions to Small School fundraisers. Mayo is part of their culture and heritage
“It’s who we are! We are from Mayo, we are Mayo people and that’s it. Mayo till you die.”
- Bernie Kelly
The pride for the county and it’s crest,is remarkable, with a sense of camaraderie that can only been seen on the GAA pitch or between bickering siblings. Basically, once you are from Mayo, you are part of a proud nation that does not only have red blood running through your veins but a marble green and red effect.
There is something different about Mayo people, the love they have for their county and the people in it is unbelievable, anyone can see it.
Mayo is not just part of their culture and heritage, it is their culture and heritage.