President Cosgrave in the West — Performs the Maumeen Pilgrimage — Mr. Blythe's Visit
Connaught Tribune, August 2, 1932
The annual pilgrimage to Maumeen, Recess, took place on Sunday, and for the first time Mass was celebrated on the mountain by the Rev. Fr.Cunningham P.P., Roundsone, who was attended byPresident Cosgrave, as clerk. Maumeen is a wild mountain place 5½ miles from Recess and by no means easy of access. It is stated St. Patrick slept in a cave on the mountainside on his way to Croagh Patrick. On the side of the mountain a temporary altar was erected where Mass was celebrated, and where a large number of people had assembled. In the morning Preident Cosgrave, accompanied by Mr. J. W. Mongan, T.D., motored from Carna to the foot of the mountain, returning to Carna after Mass. Father Murphy, C.C.,Cashel, preached in Irish at Maumeen, and Father McHale, of Massachussetts, was also present.
President Cosgrave also attended the annual Corpus Christi procession which took place at Ballyconneely on Sunday. A large number of people assembled at the church, quite a number coming out from Clifden. President Cosgrave motored from Carna, accompanied by Mr. Mongan, T.D., and formed one of the canopy bearers. The clergy present were: The Rev. Fr. Hennelly, C.C. Ballyconneely; the Rev. Fr. Mullarkey, C.C., Clifden, and the Rev. Fr. O'Malley, C.C., Claddaghduff. St. Joseph's School Band, Letterfrack, attended and accompanied the choir. The President afterwards visited the golf links at Aillebrack, close to Ballyconneely, six miles from Clifden, where he played a game of golf.
President Cosgrave, during his stay in the West, has visited several places of interest. On Thursday the President was accompanied by Most Rev. Dr. Clune, Archbishop of Perth; Most Rev. Dr. Turner, Bishop of Buffalo, and Most Rev. Dr. Fogarty, Bishop of Killaloe. The visitors praised the scenery and the varied attractions in the West. On Saturday last a life—long desire of the President was gratified by a visit to the Arann Islands. On landing he party proceeded by outside car, stopping frequently to view the histric remains which the Islands possess. The members of the party were much impressed by the physique and bearing of the islanders, who welcomed them with old—world courtesy and genuine Western hospitality.
On Sunday Fr. Cunningham entertained the President to luncheon at Roundstone. The President has, during his sojourn in the West, devoted considerable attention to the study of the language. On Wednesday, after leaving Tuam, he and Mr. Mongan, T.D. visitedthe Athenry Agricultural College. The Vice—President Mr. Blythe, Mrs. Blythe, and their son are now staying at Carna as well as the President and his family.