Chicago Mayor honours organ donors

The Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, paid a brief visit to the Circle of Life Garden in Salthill  on Tuesday, 3rd April, honouring organ donors during Organ Donor Awareness Week.

Unfortunately, due to the heavy rain at the time, his visit to the garden was cut short but he did honour and recognise organ donors worldwide by planting an Irish Yew tree beside the Ellis Island stone which represents the continent of America in the garden.

His visit to the Circle of Life was in recognition of the strong links between the City of Chicago and the City of Galway highlighted by the substantial contribution made by Galway/Chicago Sister Cities International to the creation of the garden almost four years ago. 

On his visit the Mayor was accompanied by Senator Billy Lawless, Co-Chairman of the Galway Chicago Sister Cities Committee, together with many other delegates from the Sister Cities Association.  They were welcomed at the garden  by Martina & Denis Goggin and members of the organ donation community including Jim Egan, Director of Organ Donation & Transplant Ireland. Brendan McGrath, Chief Executive of Galway City Council and City Councillors were also in attendance as the garden is ongoingly supported by Galway City Council.

Denis & Martina with Mayor Emanuel and Jim Egan, Director of ODTI

Mayor Emanuel's visit to the Circle of Life Garden took place following his receipt of an honorary degree at NUIG and prior to a civic reception organised by Galway City Council.