COUNTY MAYO ASSOCIATION OF BOSTON
About
Celebrating Mayo heritage, culture and community together in Boston.
Committee
President: Maudy Lynn Dooher
Vice-President: Patrick O'Grady
Treasurer: Karen Moore
Vice Treasurer: Patrick O'Malley
Secretary: Mary Forde
Assistant Secretary: Noel Gannon
Digital Communications: Michael Carolan
Mission Statement
The County Mayo Association of Boston is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to connecting the Mayo diaspora in Greater Boston with their home county. The Association’s core mission is to preserve, promote, and educate the public about Mayo and Irish culture, including heritage, sports, and traditions, while fostering engagement and social connections for people of all ages through educational, cultural, and community activities and events. The Association is committed to strengthening community ties and enriching Boston’s vibrant Irish and Irish-American community.
History
In 1908, a group of young Irishmen in Boston chartered the Mayo Men’s Benevolent Association. Shortly afterward, Mayo Women in Boston formed the Mayo Women’s Auxiliary, which held grand balls and galas to raise funds for Irish and American charities.
In the 1950s, they proposed merging the men's and women’s organizations. But the Mayo women were reluctant to share their funds (the women had a larger fund than the men). However, the two organizations eventually merged to become the County Mayo Association of Boston.
In 2008, the Mayo Association celebrated its 100th anniversary. Evelyn Fennessy was President that night and has served until very recently. Paddy O’Malley was President from 1992 to 1996, but he and Joe Hengahan have kept the Association going since Evelyn stepped down a few years ago. In 2025, Paddy and Joe retired from the Association, and the next generation picked up the mantle.
Gallery
