Ballymahon welcomes town twinning delegation from Landevant
Strengthening their town twinning partnership, a delegation from Landevant in North France visited Ballymahon for a five day visit during which they experienced all that the town has to offer.
It had been over two years since the last Breton boots touched down on Ballymahon soil and this year’s return was warmly welcomed by all parties to the towing twinning arrangement.
Upon arrival, the French delegation were received at a welcome reception in Skelly's Bar and took time to browse an art exhibition hosted by the Ballymahon Art Club.
Following mass on Sunday morning, the cultural baton then passed to the Bog Lane Theatre in Longford where local historian and raconteur Paddy Egan took to the stage to deliver a talk brimming with South Longford lore.
Then it was off to the outdoor auditorium behind Skelly’s on Main Street, where the festivities continued with an open-air céilí led by the lively Glenside Céilí Band. The evening featured spontaneous set dancing and bursts of Breton singing, while local dance maestro Seán Duggan made several impromptu appearances treating the French guests to a flavour of sean-nós dancing.
Monday brought a tour of Bridgeways Family Resource Centre, a shining example of South Longford’s social soul. This was followed by a lunch-and-singalong at the Convent Day Care Centre, where Manager Teresa Donlon managed to unite both nations with her harmonies and hospitality.
The formal reception on Monday evening may have carried the title, but in spirit it was a celebration infused with warmth, wit and community.
Cathaoirleach Pat O’Toole delivered a heartfelt welcome in Irish to the visiting delegation which was followed by a cultural programme featuring the Innyside Singers, Comhaltas musicians and Emer McGowan who captivated all with a performance that truly entertained.
On Tuesday morning, the Landevant visitors availed of the opportunity to knit and crochet with their Ballymahon counterparts in the local library, a visit to the town's vocational school adding an education flavour to the visit.
Castlecor House provided the backdrop for a further evening of culture and hospitality where host Loreto Grogan welcomed the French contingent as Katie Jackson entertained the gathering in song.
Local producers displayed their respective wares during the occasion, Carla Coulihan of Wide Street Brewery (crafting beer), Martina Byrne of Richmond Cordials, Stewarts Family Farm in Killashee, Abbeyshrule Honey and McCormack’s of Colehill (strawberries), all availing of the opportunity to promote their produce.
The travelling delegation departed for Landevant on Wednesday, the town twinning arrangement formalised on May 6 1999, further enhanced.