Patrick Joseph Kennedy (Joe) was born in America in 1936 to his mother Catherine Kennedy and his father Pat Kennedy RIP, both Irish Emigrants.
In 1940 as a 3 year old child Joe went back to live in County Mayo with his parents, and whilst there war broke out. The Kennedy Family decided to stay and set up business in their native Doocastle, where they remained for ever more.
Joe graduated from the local National School in Doocastle, which he and his fellow pupils affectionately called “the Academy”. Like so many others, Joe emigrated to the UK in 1955 to seek employment. Joe was just 16 years of age when he arrived in Lincolnshire looking for a job. He never forgot to send the few shillings home to Mum and Dad, and the family. He then moved to London where, as well as working in the construction industry, he liked to sing in the pubs and clubs.
Manchester Beckons for Joe
In 1958 destiny was to bring Joe Kennedy to Manchester . His meeting with fellow emigrant Kathleen Keevney from Cloonfad, led to their marriage at St. Wilfred's Church in 1960. They were blessed with seven children, 5 boys and two girls, and now many years later, lots of grandchildren.
The Kennedy Business Expands
Joe started to get his business off the ground in 1959. He even tried his hand at the pub business. It was all systems go, but he did not always get it that easy. The first tender he submitted was for gardening at a price of £30. But he ended up with £10. Things started to go right after that experience and he secured his first big contract with Pirelli, followed by a contract with Norweb and many more.
Having enormous success with J. Kennedy & Co. Ltd. Manchester, he expanded into other parts of the UK and from there to the Middle East , and parts of America.
Always a True Friend To Those In Need
Although Joe Kennedy became very successful in business, throughout all those years he gave unceasingly, abundantly, and generously to the needy and less fortunate in the community, whether that be in the UK., Ireland or elsewhere in the world. He had a particular “soft-spot” and regard for his native Mayo however.
The Kennedy Charitable Foundation
Joe set up the Kennedy Charitable Foundation by a deed dated 13/12/1995 .
Over £10 Million Sterling Given By Joe Kennedy To Worthy Causes.
During the period 13th December 1995 to date Joe's Foundation has made donations totaling well over £10 million pounds sterling to hundreds of charities. Joe has donated more than £900,000 (stg) to Mayo Charities. He has given €2 million to the Newman Institute and over €100,000 to the Diocese of Killala.
A True Friend To Those in Need.
Joe Kennedy never misses an opportunity when he hears of someone in need. If he feels help is needed he will respond. All those who know Joe are aware of his most generous nature and how he quietly gives to charity, never revealing the true extent of his generosity to worthy causes and suffering humanity.
The Newman Institute
Joe Kennedy has a long list of accomplishments including getting the first Catholic University in Ireland off the ground, namely the Newman Institute in Ballina, Co. Mayo. Without his contribution and determination this would not have happened.
Peace in Northern Ireland
His contribution to the cause of peace in the North of Ireland through the Healing Ministry of the Reverend Ruth Pattisson in Belfast has been critical. He has contributed in excess of a half million sterling to the cause of peace in NI through community based peace initiatives.
Joe Supports All Good Causes At Home and Abroad
Joe Kennedy's financial and other support of the Rainbow Family Trust in Manchester, of the Safe Start Foundation in London for young Irish Emigrants, the Mayo International Fund for Young Irish Entrepreneurs, to Irish Community Care, to the Little Sisters of the Poor, the Mayo Associations in Manchester and older people through emigrant groups and others in his native Mayo, are just a small sample of the several hundred charities and good causes he supports on an ongoing basis.
The Revitalisation of Ireland West Airport Knock
Since its inception 23 years ago Knock Airport has struggled to survive. Since Joe Kennedy assumed the Chairmanship of the Board of Knock Airport seven and a half years ago, the airport has entered a new era of success. Using his exceptional business acumen, Joe Kennedy has increased passenger numbers from 125,000 to 372,992 passengers in 2004, which has risen to 630,000 passengers in 2008.
Joe has negotiated high powered deals with Government. In 2007 Government confirmed €27.1 million grant aid towards the Airport's Capital Investment 2000 – 2010. Joe has achieved Knock Airport's great success by adding more infrastructure (such as Terminal Apron and Turnpad extensions, CAT II Runway Navigational Aids and Safety and Security Equipment and Systems), by building an excellent airport management team, adding new Air routes, and instilling confidence in the people around him. Knock Airport is now recognized as the fastest growing airport in Europe , and is the essential catalyst for the proper development of the entire BMW area – Joe Kennedy's drive is responsible for this massive growth.
Joe's Good Deeds Are Legion
His good deeds over a great many years are legion and not by any means all recorded, such as his contribution over the years to at least 200 funerals for Irish emigrants to be buried in their native soil. He has been the deserving recipient of many honours for his work, including the Manchester Mayo Association Award and a Knight of St. Gregory Award from Pope John Paul
He has and continues to make an exceptional contribution to Mayo and its inhabitants.
Mayo Person of the Year 2009 Louis Walsh
Louis is one of Mayo's most famous people of modern times. Known internationally particularly among the younger generations who revere the ground he walks on, Louis Walsh has put Mayo on the international map. He has always been proud to acknowledge his roots and family in particular his mother Maureen and late father Frank, his native town Kiltimagh, this has served to heighten the profile of Mayo the county of his birth, in a very positive way.
Louis is intensely private in his dealings with families and in his support of charities and community organisations. The only request he makes when making a donation, is that the word doesn't get out. This is a true measure of the man Louis is. He has given significantly to many charitable organisations, particularly those who deal with those people who have disabilities and who need and deserve the support of us all. I hope he will forgive us for mentioning a few of the charities that he has supported and continue to sponsor; Childline, AWARE, Marie Keating Foundation, Various Aids related Charities, Mayo Roscommon Hospice, CROI, O'Dwyer Cheshire Home.
Louis has enjoyed a career in the music business spanning over 40 years with outstanding success. He has managed such acts as, Time Machine, Paul Little and Chips, Johnny Logan and Linda Martin of Eurovision fame, Hazel O'Connor, Sean O'Farrell, Boyzone, Westlife, Samantha Mumba, Girls Aloud, Shayne Ward and Michael English to name but a few. His acts has sold hundreds of millions of euro worth of CD's and Tickets and are recognised across the globe.
Today he has a high profile Television career in “The X Factor” with Simon Cowell who are the only two judges and mentors to be involved in all series.
Mayo Person of the Year 2008 Frank Harrington
Born in Glann, Kilkelly, Frank’s family were farmers. He left school in 1961 to join his father’s fledgling sand and gravel business. A few years later he set up on his own with sand/gravel and ready mix products. His company was involved in the development of the infrastructure around Knock Basilica. which saw him broaden his business into civil engineering. Frank faced his biggest business challenge in 1981 when his expanding work force was involved in the construction of Knock Airport. Despite setbacks he worked closely with the late Monsignor Horan and without any guarantee of payment continued working on the project. Mayo journalist Terry Reilly records this fact in his book “On a Wing and a Prayer”. The vision of Monsignor Horan and the commitment of Frank Harrington saw an international airport built on Barr na Cuige. This brought further employment and economic growth to the region; an area that was once known as the ‘Black Triangle’ due to unemployment and a high rate of emigration. The company has expanded even further and now provides sustainable employment for a diverse workforce of over 300 people
most of whom are from Mayo. Frank contributes to projects and charities in his native area. Much of this is done unobtrusively. That is the nature of the man. What we do know is, in 2000 he built a car park for his local church and is a great supporter of his local GAA club Kilmovee Shamrocks. He also lends support to Western Care and Hope House, an addiction centre. Frank is married to Patricia; they have three daughters Imelda, Sharon, Andrea and two sons Brian and Frank. Frank Harrington contributes richly to his native county and is a worthy winner of the prestigious Mayo Person of the Year 2008.
Mayo Person of the Year 2007 Mr. Noel Conroy
This award is in recognition of his personal distinction and major achievements which include:
• A career spanning 44 years as a dedicated public servant in An Garda Siochana, often in dangerous and difficult circumstances.
• Since joining as a recruit in 1963, Noel has risen through the ranks of An Garda Siochana to lead an organisation with a staff of 15,000 and budget of €1.3 billion.
• As a Dublin-based detective, Noel served in some of the most demanding sectors of policing and played a pivotal role in solving many of the major criminal conspiracies of the past 40 years.
• He has displayed personal bravery in the conduct of his duties, for which he was awarded a Scott Medal.
• He has maintained the confidence of the public in the independence and integrity of the police force during a time of unprecedented societal change.
• As a graduate of executive programmes in policing in Europe and the FBI Academy, Noel enjoys the respect of his peers both at home and abroad and has been, at all times, a proud representative of his home county.
A native of Blacksod in north Mayo, Noel Conroy is herebybestowed with the honour as the Virginia Gallagher MayoPerson the Year 2007.
Mayo Person of the Year 2006 Mr Bill Durkan
Bill is a native of the famous rural village of Bohola in County Mayo. Bill is an outstanding Mayo and Bohola man who has made a very significant contribution over many years to betterment projects and charities in his native Mayo and overseas, especially in London by helping many Irish people who have fallen on hard times. His commitment has been enormous in terms of his time, organisational ability and his personal generosity. Mr. Durkan is a very well known and respected businessman having founded and managed a very successful property and construction business in both the UK and Ireland. The adjudicators are happy to announce their unanimous choice of Mr. Bill Durkan as the Virginia Gallagher Mayo Person of the Year 2006.
