Joe Biden sends letter of congratulations to new Lord Mayor of Cork

Cork’s newly-elected Lord Mayor received a letter from former US president Joe Biden to congratulate him on his election.

Fine Gael councillor Damian Boylan was elected on Friday evening and visited the Cork Summer Show on Saturday, his first official function, before watching Cork beat Offaly in the All-Ireland senior hurling quarter-final on Sunday, and visiting traders in the English Market on Monday morning.

Mr Biden wrote a personal letter, congratulating him on his election to the role, praising the role of city mayors and expressing confidence in the new Lord Mayor’s ability to serve the people of Cork.

He wrote: “I always say mayors get the job done, and I know you will continue to dedicate every ounce of your energy and effort to uplifting the people of Cork.”

The former US president, who frequently emphasised his Irish heritage during his time in office, reflected on his visits to Ireland, including as vice-president in 2016 and as president in 2023, and on the deep emotional and historical bonds between Ireland and America.

“During my own travels across the Emerald Isle, I was reminded that everything between Ireland and America runs deep – from our history and sorrow to our future and joy.

“But more than anything, hope is what beats in the hearts of both of our people.”

Good wishes

The letter concludes on a personal note, extending good wishes to the Lord Mayor and his family for the year ahead.

The Lord Mayor, who was elected on Friday, said he was “honoured and humbled” to receive a letter from the former US president.

It was one of three letters of congratulations he has received from US politicians since Friday.

Mayor of Wilmington in Delaware, John C Carney, said in his letter: “Public service is built on integrity and genuine commitment to improving the lives of others and your journey reflects those values.”

Delaware‘s Congresswoman, Sarah McBride, said they often speak of themselves as a state of neighbours, adding: “I know that same spirit of neighbourliness lives deeply in Cork.

“Your leadership reminds us that communities thrive when people show up for one another to celebrate one another and work together toward a future rooted in dignity, opportunity, and belonging.”