Crozon twinning reaches 40 years
THIS year marks the 40 th anniversary of the Sligo- Crozon Twinning link and there are plenty of celebrations planned to mark the special year.
Events are planned for May with lots of tours, festivities and much more taking place in Crozon.
The Sligo committee says individuals and groups are welcome to take part.
The Twinning has really forged strong friendships over the years between the Northwest of Ireland town and Crozon, which is situated in the Northwest of France.
Numerous, memorable visits have taken place both to Ireland and France and a special connection between the two towns has certainly developed.
It was back in 1979 that a rotund Breton man with a French beret, called Gege Le Bourdiec arrived on the steps of Sligo Town Hall and met by chance, with the then Mayor of Sligo the late Mick Carroll.
Even though the pair could not speak each other’s language, after two years and many pints of the black stuff, a friendship and twinning bond between
Sligo and Crozon was formed that has lasted a remarkable forty years.
Since the Friendship Charter, linking the two coastal towns was signed between the then Mayor of Sligo, the late Sean McManus and the then Mayor of Crozon Claud Yvenat in 1981, groups from both towns have taken part in over 50 exchanges and formed lasting friendships between people of both regions.
To celebrate one of the longest, most successful and award-winning Twinning Links in Ireland, Sligo Town Twinning have been invited to Crozon for a week of Festivities, from May 9 th to 16 th 2020.
The group have organised a luxury coach to travel from Sligo for the week to Crozon.
Over the past 40 years, Sligo Town Twinning have, on a voluntary basis, organised student exchanges between both towns.
Among the clubs and organisations who have taken part are Sligo All-Stars basketball club, au pairs, Traditional Irish musicians and Sean Nós dancers, football clubs, cycling clubs, choirs, Sligo Athletic Club, walking groups, kayak clubs and a host of others.
Both individuals or clubs are welcome to join the group travelling in May to France.
People can avail of hosting with local Breton families.
The cost, including bus from Sligo, ferry crossing to Roscoff with shared cabins and all activities is €250. Hotels and apartment accommodation is also available.
The coach will be at the group’s disposal in Crozon for sightseeing visits and all tours.
This is an ideal opportunity to visit Brittany and meet local people, sample Breton culture as part of a group.
Crozon is a small coastal town with a rugged coastline, great beaches, sports clubs and friendly people.
Within 15kms are picturesque fishing villages and the famous medieval village of Locronan with its many connections to Ireland.
Anyone interested in enjoying a week in Brittany should contact Sligo Town Twinning Committee members; Dymphna Gorman (087-15014440), Michael Clancy (087-6495349), Marie Claude Ward (0868203450) or Imelda Harte (08767537720).
Please note spaces are limited and early booking is advised.