Reze in France our new ‘twin’ after link-up

November 1990

Dundalk formally adopts its twin, the French town of Reze.

A sixteen-strong delegation, led by urban council chairman, Séamus Keelan, attends cerenonies in Reze, near Nantes.

Outside the town hall the French flag is raised by Mayor Jacques Floch, who is also a member of the French Assembly. Cllr Keelan then raises the Irish flag and both national anthems are played.

The European flag is raised by Cllr Jimmy Callan, who spearheads the link-up, and Pierre Legland, president of the local twinning committee.

Inside the building, Cllrs Keelan and Callan express a hope that the twinning will prove fruitful for each town; while Deputy Brendan McGahon speaks of the benefits for young people in the promotion of their respective languages.

Later, at an official dinner, gifts are exchanged.

The name ‘Dundalk’ now joins those of Aindelfa in Nigeria and St Wendal in Germany on the approach signs to Reze.

Cllr Callan feels this is a sigificant achievement.

‘It means that every visitor to Reze, which is in the Loire Valley not far from Nantes, will see the name of Dundalk as they enter the town.’

He adds the twinning ceremony is a great success, and is delighted that Mayor Floch accepts an invitation to lead the St Patrick’s Day parade in Dundalk next year.

Others to travel for the weekend include Cllrs Tom Bellew, Lucia Murray and Paddy Bellew, town clerk Paddy Tierney, staff officer Laurie Duggan, members of the twinning committee Brian McGuinness, Philip Lynch and Canice O’Mahony, as well as Alan Gray who represents the chamber of commerce. They are accommodated and dined in the homes of families.