Sligo County Council was honoured to host a Civic Reception in City Hall on Friday, 18 September, for Deputy Mayor Anne-Hélène Bernard, Deputy Mayor Françoise Segalen and a delegation from Crozon, marking the continuing friendship between the twin towns of Sligo and Crozon.
Civic Reception Strengthens Longstanding Links Between Sligo and Crozon
The reception was hosted by Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Dara Mulvey, and was attended by Chief Executive Martin Lydon, Director of Services Emer Concannon, elected members Cllrs Edel McSharry, Fergal Nealon, Thomas Walsh, Declan Bree, Seamus Kilgannon, Ann Higgins, as well as Minister Frank Feighan.
Representing Sligo Town Twinning were outgoing President Dymphna Gorman, Imelda Harte, Marie Claude Warde, Michael and Maeve Clancy. Also in attendance were President of Crozon Town Twinning, Claudie Briand, and members of the Crozon Town Twinning Committee.
Welcoming the delegation, Cathaoirleach Cllr Dara Mulvey reflected on the enduring bond between the two communities, describing the Sligo-Crozon partnership as one of the most successful and longstanding town twinning relationships in Ireland.
"Today, it is our privilege to welcome our friends from Crozon to Sligo and to continue a celebration of friendship, cooperation and cultural exchange that has enriched both our communities for more than four decades," he said.
The Cathaoirleach noted that representatives from Sligo travelled to Crozon last year to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the twinning relationship, providing an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the partnership and to honour the vision of those who established the link between the two towns in 1979.
In his address, Cllr Mulvey highlighted how the relationship is built upon people-to-people connections forged through school exchanges, sporting links, cultural events, civic visits and community activities. He paid tribute to the generations of volunteers and committee members whose dedication has nurtured and sustained the partnership.
The Cathaoirleach also acknowledged the shared maritime heritage of Sligo and Crozon and welcomed representatives from both sailing communities, including Roland Le Garrec of Sant Hernot Yacht Club and Karl Kerins of Sligo Yacht Club, whose involvement demonstrates how new friendships and collaborations continue to emerge through the twinning relationship.
Speaking following the reception, Cllr Mulvey thanked both the Sligo and Crozon Twinning Committees for their commitment and dedication.
"Town twinning is about creating lasting friendships, fostering understanding and building connections that benefit future generations. The continued success of the Sligo-Crozon partnership is a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of all those involved over many years."
As part of their trip to Sligo, the Crozon delegation took part in a range of cultural, civic and community activities, providing valuable opportunities to strengthen longstanding connections and build upon the friendship that has united the people of Sligo and Crozon for more than four decades.
Guests were treated to a wonderful showcase of local culture and hospitality during the reception. Traditional Irish music was provided by Kate Gavin and Shauna Cullen, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the evening. The celebration also featured a performance of Sean Nós dancing by students from Eiméar Mulvey's Bróga Bríomhar Dance School, highlighting the richness of Ireland's cultural traditions. Adding to the experience, Joe O'Brien of Hawk's Rock Distillery hosted a whiskey tasting, offering guests an opportunity to sample locally produced craft whiskey and learn more about one of Sligo's growing indigenous enterprises.
