‘Celtic Cousins’ ready to welcome with open arms
THE trips to Crozon in France or Kempten in Germany are the mainstays of Sligo’s Town Twinning relationships.
As of last week, there were 19 students from Kempten visiting Sligo, along with two teachers, and staying with local host families.
“As I speak they’re out horse riding in Grange,” said Michael Clancy, of Sligo Town Twinning voluntary body.
It has taken over the running of the town twinning with Sligo County Council since the old Sligo Borough Council was done away with in 2014.
The Kempten town twinning is 26 years going, while the Crozon twinning will be 39 years running this year.
“Crozon was the original town twinning,” said Michael. “They are our Celtic cousins and we have great connections with them,” he said.
The Crozon town twinning has been “quite successful” down the years, said Michael, having made so many trips and won numerous awards.
Crozon visitors will make the return trip to Sligo next year for a bigger 40 th Anniversary celebration.
President of Sligo Town Twinning and one of the founding members Dymphna Gorman said anyone who makes the trip “sees the area better than a tourist would ever see it.”
“We’re given an extra welcome by the people of Crozon. They absolutely love Sligo people. They kind of adopt you from the minute you arrive. It’s really lovely,” she told The Sligo Champion.
“They’re so welcoming, with open arms. They make that extra bit of effort to show you places, their favourite places and restaurants,” she said.
Organisers are keen to stress that sporting clubs in Sligo are welcome to join the trip as Crozon clubs are “only too delighted to welcome their counterparts.”
The Crozon Kayaking Club are visiting Sligo in May and will camp in Strandhill.
Plenty of activities, receptions and excursions are planned for the week 19 th-26 th May.
“It’s a great chance to practice your French, enjoy some great shopping or just sit back and watch the waves,” said Dymphna.
“It’s not-for-profit. We just want to introduce people to our twin town and let them like it as much as we like it. That’s why it’s so successful over the years. Everyone is more than welcome to come, young or old,” she added.
The Friendship Twinning Charter between the two towns was signed in 1979. Crozon boasts a rugged coastline, beaches and historical sites.