The 5th annual Banquet and Ball of the Mayo Society of Greater Cleveland was held Saturday October 3, 2009 at the Embassy Suites Hotel. The Mission of the Mayo Society of Greater Cleveland is:
To promote cultural, charitable, scientific and/or literary exchanges between the people of the United States and the People of Ireland, with particular emphasis on County Mayo, including but not limited to research into the life and times of Irish immigration to America and the study of Irish and Irish-American history.
The Mayo Society of Greater Cleveland was founded in 2004 as a not-for-profit corporation to provide a forum for information and activities of interest to individuals of Irish descent particularly those with ancestral ties to County Mayo. The Society makes contributions to public charities in the United States that have a link to County Mayo in Ireland or to Ireland, or to public charities in Ireland, or for temporary emergency relief to indigent Irish nationals in the United States who are in urgent need of medical attention, are victims of crime, or victims of man-made or natural disasters.
The 2009 Ball honored John Patrick (Packy) Hyland as 2009 Mayo Person of the Year. The Mayo Society of Greater Cleveland acknowledged his successful career, and remembered his generosity and kindness to many individuals and charitable organizations. Packy's wife, Charlene, was presented with a piece of beautiful Mayo crystal, made in County Mayo, Ireland. ![AJ Hyland, mother Charlene Hyland and brother Chris Hyland](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/irish/2009-mayoball/hylands-aj-charlene-chris.jpg)
Mother Charlene Hyland flanked by sons AJ and Chris with the Mayo crystal honoring Packy Hyland
The Mayo Person of the Year Award is bestowed upon an individual of County Mayo, Ireland heritage who is an outstanding member of the community. We are saddened that he was taken from us before we had the privilege of honoring his life's work. As the Mayo Society said, "In life, Packy touched the lives of many, personally and professionally. His legacy to his wife, Charlene, his family, and to our community, is one that we all will cherish forever."
The Guest of Honor at the event was Professor William Golden from the National University of Ireland, Galway.
![Father Kline with Tom and Pat McNamara](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/irish/2009-mayoball/father-kline-mcnamaras.jpg)
Father Kline with Tom and Pat McNamara
Mike Keenan, Peggy Barman and Bonnie and Mickey McNally
![Mary Hayes](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/irish/2009-mayoball/mary-hayes.jpg)
Mary Hayes
![Mayo Mayor John Cribbin with guests](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/irish/2009-mayoball/mayor-john-cribbin.jpg)
Mayo Mayor John Cribbin with guests
Mike Keenan
![Marian O'Malley, Dolly Luskin and Michelle Morgan](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/irish/2009-mayoball/omalley-luskin-morgan.jpg)
Marian O'Malley, Dolly Luskin and Michelle Morgan
Padraig Brogan, Council Senior Official from Ireland
![Pat and Bill Monroe](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/irish/2009-mayoball/pat-bill-monroe.jpg)
Pat and Bill Monroe
![Regina Costello and husband](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/irish/2009-mayoball/regina-costello-husband.jpg)
Regina Costello and husband
Pat Coyne and Bill Homan
![Tim and Gretta Ryan](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/irish/2009-mayoball/tim-gretta-ryan.jpg)
Tim and Gretta Ryan
![Charlene Hyland](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/irish/2009-mayoball/charlene-hyland.jpg)
Charlene Hyland
![Maureen Casey-Brubaker, John Brubaker, Jim Proctor and AJ Hyland](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/irish/2009-mayoball/brubaker-proctor-hyland.jpg)
Maureen Casey-Brubaker, John Brubaker, Jim Proctor and AJ Hyland
Pat McNamara and Kathleen Mangen
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