By Ray O'Hanlon
Maureen O'Hara surrounded by family and friends including (l-r - back row): John Nicoletti, (her biographer), Charles FitzSimons, her nephew, Conor FitzSimons, Maureen's grandson. Front row has great grandchildren, Everest and Baylee, and Conor's wife, Elga FitzSimons Photo by Barton B. MacLeod.
She kept her promise.
Screen star Maureen O'Hara traveled from Boise, Idaho, to Winterset, Iowa last weekend to honor fellow Hollywood legend John Wayne in his birthplace.
A John Wayne museum and learning center and museum is planned for the Iowa town, and the project now has the best possible blessing from O'Hara, who made five movies with the late actor, including the iconic "The Quiet Man."
Wayne was born in Winterset on May 26, 1907.
It was O'Hara's first ever visit to Winterset, and it was also billed as her last large scale public appearance.
O'Hara was greeted by fans during the weekend as the town featured O'Hara and Wayne films in its movie theater.
"I hope they don't forget," O'Hara said of the well wishers.
"If they forget me, I might get mad at them, because I am still here," the 92-year-old actress said.
O'Hara lived in West Cork for a number of years, but is now settled in Idaho close to family members.
Fans the world over have been campaigning to have Hollywood award her a lifetime achievement Oscar at next year's Academy Awards.
