Athlone to honour twinning link by naming place after Châteaubriant

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Athlone is set to honour its first twinning link by naming a place after the French town Châteaubriant.

The discussion followed a presentation by Chairperson of the Athlone/Châteaubriant Town Twinning Committee, Niamh Dalby, at the most recent meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District.

In 2025, Châteaubriant named a park after Athlone during the Irish delegations visit to the town. A group from the French town will pay a visit to Athlone in 2027, and Athlone Moate Municipal District said they would be delighted to think of a place to name after its first Town Twin.

"It would be a lovely gesture," Ms Dalby added.

Members also heard of the latest developments undertaken by the committee, which included the launch of a dedicated Athlone /Châteaubriant Town Twinning Committee website which was launched in 2025.

Cllr Frankie Keena asked whether the committee would seek to extend further interaction between secondary schools in the two towns.

"The 1st years in Athlone Community College are in touch with students in Châteaubriant," Ms Dalby confirmed.

Cllr Keena added: "Is there a structured way for them to engage? We have five schools in our area, and I'm sure the schools would be able to facilitate this in class time."

Athlone made it's twinning agreement with the French town in March of 1995, and now over 30 years later, continues to foster the cultural, educational, industrial, and sporting ties of the two places with an annual trip.

The Athlone /Châteaubriant Town Twinning Committee was hailed as being 'ahead of your time' by members, who said it was one of the first Town Twinnings in Ireland, and paved the path for others to follow in their footsteps.

Members agreed that, without the Athlone /Châteaubriant Town Twinning, Athlone may not have sought its most recent Twinning with Providence in Rhode Island.

"I'm a great believer in the twinning concept, and you have shown there are great benefits on both sides," said Cllr Aengus O'Rourke.

Cllr John Dolan added: "You were ahead of your time, and it stood the test of time."

District Manager Jackie Finney said it was a delight to see the depth of the relationships between the two towns.

"In a world that is so fractured, friendship between countries is so important."