“St Patrick’s visits integral part of US celebrations”

The President of the Donegal Association in New York has said visits from councillors form a vital part of the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations for the Irish immigrant community.

Gweedore native Rosina Gallagher’s comments come in the wake of controversy this week after Donegal County Councillors voted not to pay for the traditional March 17th trip to the States for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

Cllr Brendan Byrne said he and his deputy will now be paying for the trip themselves.

Ms Gallagher, who has lived in New York for over 20 years, has rejected claims that Irish ex-pats are indifferent to whether councillors visit on St Patrick’s Day or not.

“There’s much anticipation of the visit” said Ms Gallagher, and added that the Irish community in the US appreciates councillors going to the effort in coming out for St Patrick’s Day celebrations.