Mayo Association of Philadelphia
About Mayo Association of Philadelphia
Since its establishment in 1905, the Mayo Association of Philadelphia has served as the cultural and social center for Irish Americans with connections to County Mayo, Ireland. Based in Philadelphia, PA, the organization brings together descendants of County Mayo in a welcoming community that celebrates shared heritage and mutual support. With membership exceeding 150 people and steadily growing, the association embodies the Irish tradition of Cead Mile Failte—a hundred thousand welcomes—creating meaningful connections among members who have immigrated from Ireland or maintain family ties to the region.
The association's heart lies in its commitment to charitable work that extends across the Philadelphia area, County Mayo, and beyond. Over decades of service, the Mayo Association has partnered with organizations supporting physically and mentally challenged children, including Western Care, Aras Attracta in County Mayo, and Saint John of God in Westville, New Jersey. The organization has also contributed to landmark projects that preserve Irish heritage, from the iconic Irish Memorial at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia to significant developments in County Mayo including Knock Shrine and Knock Airport.
Central to the association's community life is the Annual Mayo Ball, held each November, which brings members together while raising funds for charitable causes. The Mayo Association of Philadelphia represents more than a social club—it is a bridge connecting Philadelphia's Irish community to their ancestral homeland, fostering pride in County Mayo heritage while making tangible differences in the lives of those served by their charitable initiatives.