The Clifden and Connemara Heritage Society will hold their annual San Patricio/John Reilly ceremony on Saturday 12th September 2015.
This commemoration takes place on the Square and the starting time is 4pm.
This year they will once again be joined by the Mexican Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency, Carlos Garcia De Alba.
Also in attendance as special guest, is the Mexican sculptor, Sebastian, who created the statue which is used as a memorial to John Reilly and the Saint Patrick's Battalion.
This battalion fought on the side of Mexico in the Mexican-American war of 1845/1846. They were founded and led by Clifden man John Reilly.
Programme.
This takes place on the Square, or in Foyles Hotel if the weather doesn't hold.
- 4pm Welcome to Clifden by Breandan O Scanaill, Chairman of the Society.
- Rededication of monument by Sebastian.
- Words of welcome to the county from Cathaoirleach Cllr Peter Roche.
- Reply from the Ambassador.
- Display of Mexican Dancing by Mexican folk dance troupe of Galway.
- Selection of songs and music from the Gringo Stars.
- Display of Mexican dancing from Zapata folk dance group (Houston Texas).
- Words of thanks from David Niland, honoury Mexican Consul for the West of Ireland.
- Wreath laying by Ambassador and Cathaoirleach, at Monument.
- End of Ceremony.6pm.
There will be a talk by Italian writer Andrea Ferraris, author of Comic strip book Churubusco afterwards. Venue Foyles Hotel.