Irish lives matter.
Even though Mehaul O’Leary has lived in America for 28 years, when the mayor of Culver City goes home to Ireland every mid-summer, a major family welcoming party greets him.
Centered mostly in his native Dublin, Mr. O’Leary’s 83-year-old father, his 77-year-old mother (no stranger to Culver City), his brother, two sisters and their children all open their arms to their sentimental and Americanized son, brother and uncle.
The main event during his stay was a christening, which led the witty Irishman to remark, “I left America as a single man, and I came back this week as a father – a godfather, that is.
“I went to County Galway to visit my sister Susan and her two boys, Kevin and Sean. The occasion was Kevin’s christening.
“While I was there, we played their favorite game, Ninjango, the ninja version of Leggo. I spent quality time building crazy machines and buildings.”
Approaching his 50th birthday, this was Mr. O’Leary’s hurried introduction to a new world of child entertainment. “We never even could have imagined playing with Leggos when I was a boy,” he said.
“From there I went to County Clare with my mother and my sister Susan to visit my sister Ciara and her children, James, Jack and Tomas.”
The best part of going home every summer is visiting with his parents, the mayor said.
The best part of coming back home to Culver City is…“this is where I live, where my friends are.
You almost could hear Bing Crosby crooning “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” in the background as the mayor described the twin pillars of his life.
“It’s kind of a separation of the two things that are important to a person in life…so far apart.
“I have my friends here,” said Mr. O’Leary, “and my family in Ireland.”
