Rochdale MP goes back to Limerick roots

Date published: 22/02/2007

Paul Rowen, The Rochdale MP brought a bit of Rochdale into County Limerick, when visiting his family’s roots.  When in Limerick, Paul visited the Mayor of Limerick City Council, Councillor Joe Leddin and presented a Rochdale plaque that now sits in the Mayor’s office.

Mr Rowen said: "I use to visit Feohanagh near Newcastle West, where many of my family are from every summer when I was younger.  I was born and bred in Rochdale, but I am very proud of my Irish roots and it was always an ambition of mine to return as an MP to where my mother Kath was born.  I was only in Ireland for two days but I leapt at the chance at meeting the Mayor of Limerick and some of my family members whilst I was over there.  Feohanagh is a beautiful part of the world, like much of County Limerick.  I have memories of happy times spent there when I was younger and last week’s visit was no different.  Whilst there I visited my grandparents and other relation’s graves as well as discussing some of the issues affecting both Rochdale and Limerick with the Mayor.  Limerick, like Rochdale has a great civil tradition and astonishingly Councillor Leddin was the 810th Mayor of the city." 

Mr Rowen is looking forward to 17 March – where the Irish Flag will be raised at the Town Hall to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.  He said: "I always enjoy celebrating occasions like this, it’s great that Rochdale marks events like this that celebrate our rich heritage.  We are already looking at celebrating St George’s Day on 23 April and I hope that this will be a another huge celebration."

The Irish Flag will be hoisted on 16 March in front of Rochdale Town Hall; Mr Rowen is keen for people to get involved and will be shortly be releasing information on the event.  If you would like to get involved or know any dancers or musicians who can get involved – please email Dave Hennigan davehennigan@rochdalelibdems.org.uk at Mr Rowen’s office or call on 01706 712186.