The Taoiseach has told New York’s Irish American community of his own personal St.Patrick’s day wish – to welcome Sam Maguire back to his native County Mayo this year.
At an Irish Chamber of Commerce breakfast in Manhattan Enda Kenny said he was becoming so desperate for the return of “one particular emigrant” that he is considering introducing legislation for a mandatory Mayo victory in the All Ireland Football Final.
He said his county “haven’t won it it 62 years, I haven’t asked Mayor Bloomberg to help with that, I’m not going to ask President Obama for help". He joked that he is "just going to do it by legislation in the parliament at home”.
Later Mr Kenny joined Irish Americans along 5th avenue for the annual New York City St Patricks day parade.
He said he had come to the United States this week to deliver the message that Ireland’s economic recovery plan is working.
An estimated 2 million people lined the streets of the big apple to watch the parade which was led this year by 750 members of the United States military.
Mayor Bloomberg marched alongside the city’s Irish American Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, but the parade was snubbed by the speaker of the New York City Council, Irish American Christine Quinn.
Ms Quinn, who is a lesbian, refused to take part because of the organisers ban on gay pride messages. The parade’s organisers say signs and banners celebrating being gay would detract from honoring Irish heritage.
