The Colombian Ambassador to Ireland Her Excellency Patricia Cortés Ortiz was welcomed to Sligo County Hall by Cathaoirleach Councillor Paul Taylor and Chief Executive Martin Lydon.
Colombian Ambassador Visits Sligo
Colombian Ambassador Visits Sligo
Cathairleach Councillor Paul Taylor and Chief Executive Martin Lydon welcome the Colombian Ambassador to Ireland Her Excellency Patricia Cortés Ortiz to County Hall
The Ambassador attended a meeting on the subject of Sligo’s potential as Regional Growth Centre, which was attended by Tara Rodgers, President and Aidan Doyle, Chief Executive, Sligo Chamber.
Back Row Left to Right: Mr Jim Molloy, Director of Services, Sligo County Council; Tara Rodgers, President, Sligo Chamber; Aidan Doyle, Chief Executive, Sligo Chamber; Front Row Left to Right: Cathaoirleach Councillor Paul Taylor; Her Excellency Patricia Cortés Ortiz; Martin Lydon, Chief Executive, Sligo County Council
International friends
In his address, the Cathaoirleach said
‘To my knowledge this is the first occasion we have had the honour of welcoming a Colombian Ambassador to this Chamber. We take a special pride in extending a civic welcome to international friends, and our active twinning programme reflects this desire. In recent months we have welcomed Ambassadors from Chile, Norway, Switzerland, Korea, France and Germany.
Links with South America
Indeed our engagement with your South American neighbour Chile has attracted extensive local media coverage, the strong connection between the two countries focused on Bernardo O’Higgins, who is regarded as the founding father of Chile and is the son of Sligo native Ambrose, a Spanish officer who was Governor of Chile and Viceroy of Peru.
Connection with Colombia
History also shows very strong connections between Ireland and Colombia; Irish volunteers played a central role in Colombia’s wars of Independence against Spain, and descendants of Irish volunteers who served their adopted country so well live in Colombia to this day. The Catholic lay movement the Legion of Mary had a presence in Colombia from the early 1950’s, and their work among the poor was especially valued, a mission they would later extend to other countries in South America.
Showcasing Sligo
Our location on the western periphery of Europe means we place greater value in forming and nurturing international friendships, and I see the Ambassador’s visit as an opportunity to develop associations across a wide sphere of activity.
Sligo is designated as a regional growth centre, we take great pride in showcasing our wonderful county as a prime location to live in, invest or visit.’
Cathaoirleach Councillor Paul Taylor making a presentation to the Colombian Ambassador to Ireland Her Excellency Patricia Cortés Ortiz
Presentation – Made in Sligo collection
The Cathaoirleach presented the Ambassador with a piece from Rachel Quinnn’s new collection, showing iconic Benbulben standing in the midground with two waves in the foreground signifying Sligo's special place along the Atlantic coast”
Rachel Quinn has been working in clay for the past 20 years, she makes a range of decorative ceramics in Raku and more recently porcelain. Rachel’s work is inspired by the Sligo landscape from the mythology, landscapes and the plants that grow around her country studio, Rachel is always inspired by the beauty that is abundant in county Sligo. Her work is made in Ballinacarrow at her studio and is available to view on her website www.rachelquinnceramics.com or at the Made in Sligo shop at Henry Lyons shop in Sligo town.
Colombian Ambassador to Ireland Her Excellency Patricia Cortés Ortiz signing the distinguised visitors book alongside Cathaoirleach Councillor Paul Taylor