First Irish mayor of Boston since 1993

For most of the 20th Century, the Boston-Irish controlled the mayor's office until that run was broken by Italian-American Thomas Menino in 1993.

Now Martin Walsh (below) is to take up the reins after beating another Irish descendent, John Connolly, by 52pc to 48pc.

Mr Walsh's parents, John and Mary, are from the Connemara Gaeltacht areas of Callowfenish and Ros Cide, near Ros Muc.

ALCOHOLIC

They emigrated to the US in the early 1950s and raised their children in Boston's Dorchester neighbourhood.

In his victory speech, Mr Walsh said: "My parents had big dreams for their kids, but I'm not sure they were this big."

He is a recovering alcoholic who fought cancer to run for election. According to the Boston media his campaign was seen as more "down to earth" than his rivals'.

"Together we're going to make Boston a place where dreams come true for every child and every person in every corner of this city," he told cheering supporters at his election night party.

One of the first to congratulate him was Barack Obama.

Mr Walsh promised to work for "opportunity – because every woman, man and child deserves a chance; community – because that's the strength of this city; and equality – because everybody gets ahead, not just some."

hnews@herald.ie