From the busy streets of Boston to lovely Lecarrow

"It's one of the reasons I come here," Richie Gormley simply says looking out on a panoramic view of lush, green fields in Lecarrow with sheep and cows grazing at the rear of his comfortable home. For the Mayor of West Roxbury in Boston, Ballybrogan has not only been a rural retreat from the busy city streets for the last 17 years, but a real return to his roots as his great-great grandparents originated just down the road, leaving the country prior to the famine. "Its a lot quieter here. I live on a busy street with a lot of traffic back home. It's a good getaway. It's got a fantastic view. You wouldn't get that in the States," he smiles before taking the Westmeath Independent from his modern house to the nearby ancestral home which he has lovingly restored from dereliction in recent years. "I want to keep my own heritage alive. I've thatched my ancestral home and I've made it liveable. A lot of people come from the States and they prefer to stay in the old house rather than the new home," he enthuses, looking out over the traditional half-door, before pointing to the original open fireplace with crane which is still in working order. "I wanted to keep it original. They are actually very few thatched homes in this area or around the country now," Richie explains. "There is a lot of history here. I brought a bus trip over to see it and they were amazed by it. I actually helped the guy thatch it," he outlines. His love affair with Ireland began all of 42 years ago now, when he took his first trip to this country after serving in the US Marine Corp in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. He was decorated for his service with the Cross of Gallantry and is currently Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars. "I wanted to take a break and I loved it so much I kept coming back," Richie explains, adding that he always knew that his ancestors came from St John's Parish and coming to Ireland allowed him trace his heritage and explore the area further. Over 17 years ago now, he decided to build his holiday home in Lecarrow and has never looked back. Now firmly part of the local community, he says he loves the area and the people, coming back several times a year. He is just back from outing on the Viking Boat with St John's Parish Heritage group and is looking forward to a trip to the Galway Races. Speaking of the heritage of nearby Rindoon, Mr Gormley states that he is delighted to see the work on the walkways and trails around the historic site, singling out Liam Byrne in particular, for praise in keeping local heritage alive. "Once you're away from it, you appreciate it all the more. It was a city of its own before Athlone. It's a kind of hidden gem down there. It's so scenic, I'm surprised more people don't go there," Richie says. But it is not only in Lecarrow that heritage is to the forefront of Richie's mind. Back in West Roxbury, he busily promotes Irish heritage and keeps the Roscommon flag flying through his involvement in a myriad of organisations, including his role as President of the Roscommon Association in Boston, a Sgt in Arms of the Boston Irish Social Club and as a former Director of the Irish Cultural Centre of New England. He was named the Boston Police Department Emerald Society Person of the Year 2011 for his contribution to the Irish community. "I try to keep the heritage going on the other side," he tells me proudly, before chipping in that "it's not just Paddy's Day, it's every day of the year." Long before his election Richie Gormley was known as 'Lord Mayor' in West Roxbury for his many good works and reputation for helping people. His nickname came true back in March when he beat off competition from nine challengers in the very first internet election to become Mayor. He describes West Roxbury as the mecca of the Irish community and the best part of the city. The affable undertaker, who runs the business in his family for over 100 years, regularly deals with Irish families from right across the US and helps them cut the red tape to enable them to bring their loved one's remains home for their final journey. "I was very humbled that they chose me. Mary Mulvey, whose father comes from Roscommon was runner-up," the soft spoken Mayor says of the election kickstarted by David Erischek, the Editor of the West Roxbury Patch newspaper, to find the Mayor of West Roxbury among its 50,000 inhabitants in an internet poll. He remembers fondly the big inauguration event earlier this year, where he was sworn in by the Mayor Thomas Menino, the Mayor of Boston. Afterwards there was a celebration block party and he also played a central part in the St Patrick's Day festivities in the area which drew thousands out onto the streets. He was also honoured to meet President Michael D Higgins in May of this year during a visit to the city. Although not a government official, he jokes people still come to him looking for favours, jobs, to get their kids into schools and even, to fix potholes. But away from that for now, he is just enjoying a welcome quiet break in Lecarrow, looking forward to the Roscommon International Reunion festival later this month and taking day trips around the country. "Not much changes up here. (Lecarrow) I see major change in Athlone. I hope they finish the castle there real soon. I love Sean's Bar, Ireland's oldest pub and The Shamrock Lodge." A fan of Irish music and Irish pubs, he also enjoys spending time in his two locals Coffeys and Kellys, namechecking nearby Millars, Connaughtons, Dalys, The Claypipe and McNeills as some of his favourite spots for a quiet pint and a chat.