Her Excellency Céline Place, Ambassador of France to Ireland, paid an official visit to Sligo County Council, County Hall on Wednesday 22 April, where she was formally welcomed by the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Dónal Gilroy, Elected Members Cllr Thomas Walsh, Cllr Fergal Nealon and Cllr Marie Casserly, Chief Executive of Sligo County Council Martin Lydon, and Director of Services Emer Concannon.
Strengthening Franco Irish Links: French Ambassador Visits County Hall
Also in attendance were key representatives from business, enterprise, culture and community organisations across the county, including Ann Butler, President of Sligo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Aidan Doyle, CEO of Sligo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Stephen Walshe, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, Local Enterprise Office Sligo, Edel Doran, Night Time Economy Advisor, Sligo BID, Dymphna Gorman, President of Sligo Town Twinning Committee, members of the Sligo Town Twinning Committee, and members of Sligo’s French community.
Addressing the gathering, Cathaoirleach Cllr Dónal Gilroy said it was “a very great honour” to welcome Her Excellency to County Hall and to the north‑west of Ireland. He expressed sincere appreciation for the Ambassador’s visit, noting that it was a meaningful affirmation of the strong and enduring relationship between France and Ireland, and in particular between France and County Sligo.
The Cathaoirleach reflected on the shared historical links between the two nations, referencing Sligo’s role in the 1798 Rebellion, General Humbert’s support for Irish independence, and the Battle of Carricknagat near Collooney, where French troops and Irish rebels fought side by side. He also highlighted the continued importance of the Sligo–Crozon town twinning relationship, now more than 45 years old, acknowledging the dedication of Dymphna Gorman and the Sligo Town Twinning Committee in sustaining and strengthening this long‑standing partnership.
Cllr Gilroy noted that Sligo is a county confident in its identity and ambitious in its outlook, recognised for its culture, creativity, natural beauty and growing reputation for enterprise and innovation. He highlighted the work of Sligo Chamber of Commerce, the Local Enterprise Office and Sligo BID in supporting business development and international engagement, and pointed to the potential for deeper collaboration with France in areas such as tourism, maritime activity, culture, education and small business innovation.
Her Excellency Ambassador Céline Place also addressed attendees, underlining the closeness of France and Ireland as EU neighbours with strong cultural and historical ties. She spoke of the importance of strengthening relationships across academic, cultural and cooperative fields, highlighted the long‑standing role of the French language in Irish education, and expressed hope for continued progress in foreign language learning at younger ages. The Ambassador also referred to the close diplomatic cooperation between France and Ireland, including shared positions on international issues and a strong commitment by both countries to a united and resilient European Union during challenging times.
Concluding the visit, the Cathaoirleach thanked Her Excellency for her engagement with Sligo County Council and the wider community, noting that the visit provided an opportunity not only to celebrate existing links but also to look ahead to renewed connections and future collaboration between France and County Sligo.
