Local delegation to mark Chateaubriant twinning milestone anniversary

To mark the 30th anniversary of the twinning of Athlone with Chateaubriant a delegation of 27 will depart to the French town tomorrow (Friday) for a four day celebration in honour of the milestone occasion.

The highlight of the four day schedule will be the naming of a park in honour of the twinning arrangement, 'Parc d'Athlone' to be officially unveiled on Sunday afternoon.

The delegation representing Athlone will feature the musicians of Na Badóirí, Irish dancers and singers, who will perform at a music festival to take place in front of the Chateaubriant Town Hall on Friday night.

The schedule of events will also feature a trip to the renowned Robert Tatin Museum on Saturday with official recognition of the twinning arrangement taking place after the park unveiling on Sunday.

The delegation will stay with host families in Chateabriant and build upon the relationships which have been forged since the twinning was formalised in 1995.

Secretary of the Athlone-Chateaubriant twinning committee is part of the travelling group and is looking forward to marking the milestone anniversary.

Prior to the delegation's departure she paid tribute to all those who have been involved with the town twinning arrangement through the years in particular former chairman, the late John Daly, who was an integral part of the committee.

The delegation will return to Athlone on Monday afternoon.