What a weekend that was – over 600 people turned up in Ballinrobe for the Fly Mayo Festival to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Felix Waitkus’ famous trans-Atlantic flight.

And Fly Mayo is certainly here to stay as community and political leaders in Mayo and Lithuania expressed their commitment to the project.

“The weekend was a huge success in every way,” said David Hall, chairperson of organisers, Ballinrobe Tourism Committee.

“Lithuanians came from all over Ireland, and also from Lithuania. Plus we were extremely happy that a huge number of locals dropped into the Festival Marquee on Abbey Street at various times over the weekend.

“Some other highlights included the selection of Karina Belavenceva as Fly Mayo Festival Queen on Friday night, and the wonderful pageant on the streets of Ballinrobe on Saturday morning.

“This pageant was designed by Niamh Lally and the children at Cregduff NS, and also featured Ballinrobe School Band, and children from all four primary schools in the parish. They recreated Felix Waitkus’ famous 1935 flight, with one change – this time, after making his emergency landing in Ballinrobe, he got his plane airborne again and flew onto Kaunas, Lithuania.

“It was quite an emotional pageant for our Lithuanian people, particularly when it culminated with three cheers for Felix, and the singing of the Irish and Lithuanian national anthems.”

A Lithuanian delegation, led by some senior political figures, held talks with Mayo County Council, led by Cathaoirleach Michael Burke and Neil Sheridan, about future twinning links with Mayo and Lithuania.

“There is no doubt the links now being developed between Ballinrobe, Mayo and Lithuania will continue to develop over the years ahead. Felix Waitkus is a national hero in Lithuania, and Ballinrobe became part of Lithuania’s history when he made his emergency landing here,” said Cllr Burke.

A Lithuanian television crew visited Ballinrobe for the weekend to make a full documentary on the festival, and the way in which Ballinrobe has created a revival of interest in Waitkus’ story.

More details on www.BallinrobeLithuania.com.